Purpose or learning objective
X-ray has been extensively used in clinical imaging since its discovery by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1985 [1]. X-ray imaging has advanced so much that it is being used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes [2]. Despite its revolutionary benefits in the field of medical science, it is a blessing with a complimentary curse [3, 4]. It also possesses risks of adverse health hazards including cancer, genetic mutation, cataract, skin erythema, and so on [5]. Hence, the knowledge of radiation protection is of crucial importance to...
Methods or background
Questionnaire Survey
A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the awareness level of radiation protection among final-year medical students at GMCTHRC, Pokhara, Nepal. The survey included demographic characteristics, i.e., gender and age, and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to radiation protection. 10 MCQs were administered to each participant.
Data Collection
The data was collected from May 1st to 31st, 2021. All the final-year medical students participated in this study. Participants were handed out the print copy of the questionnaire survey by the investigators and were requested...
Results or findings
Total 96 participants, 44 male (46%) and 52 female (54%), mean age 23.80±1.46 years, range 21-32 were included in this study. The demographic characteristics are demonstrated in [Fig 1].
The mean knowledge of radiation protection was 5.20±1.52 (52%) with a minimum score of 2 and a maximum of 8.
The correct response of each question is shown in [Fig 2], with a minimum of 24% and a maximum of 84%.
Mann-Whitney U-test depicted there was no statistical significance of knowledge of radiation protection according to...
Conclusion
To sum up, the knowledge of radiation protection among final year MBBS students is inadequate. Ample radiation protection course materials should be introduced in the syllabus of medical education considering the rapid development and advancement of X-ray imaging systems in terms of radiation protection culture. Proper radiation protection training should be provided to the medical students. Radiation protection is also essential for the safeguard of patients and the students themselves. It is the prime right of every staff and student involved in radiology and medical...
References
[1] Tubiana M., “[Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen and the discovery of X-rays],” Bull. Acad. Natl. Med., vol. 180, no. 1, pp. 97–108, Jan. 1996.
[2] Bercovich E. and Javitt M.C., “Medical Imaging: From Roentgen to the Digital Revolution, and Beyond,” Rambam Maimonides Med. J., vol. 9, no. 4, p. e0034, Oct. 2018, doi: 10.5041/RMMJ.10355.
[3] Maharjan et al., “Knowledge of radiation protection among radiology professionals and students: A medical college-based study,” Eur. J. Radiol. Open, vol. 7, p. 100287, Nov. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.ejro.2020.100287.
[4] Maharjan et...
Personal information and conflict of interest
S. Maharjan:
Nothing to disclose
s. singh:
Nothing to disclose
A. Dangal:
Nothing to disclose
S. Sah:
Nothing to disclose
P. Gautam:
Nothing to disclose