Original Articles Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): Bioscience Insights Published 2026-10-10

RADIATION DOSE AWARENESS AND SAFETY PRACTICES AMONG RADIOLOGY STAFF IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS

Authors

  • Dr. Naveera Naveed Radiology Resident, Shahida Islam Teaching Hospital, Lodhran, Pakistan Pakistan Author
  • Dr. Amnah Hanif Senior Registrar, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan Pakistan Author
  • Saeed Akram Lecturer, Bakhtawar Amin Medical & Dental College. Multan, Pakistan Pakistan Author
  • Sehrish Aamir Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Ali Fatima Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Pakistan Author
  • Younis Ibrahim Medical Imaging Technologist, Mukhtar A Sheikh Memorial Welfare Hospital, Multan, Pakistan Pakistan Author
  • Huma Tabassum Visiting Faculty, Department of Public Health, University of the Punjab, Pakistan Pakistan Author
  • Hania Batool Medical Physicist, Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan Pakistan Author
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Abstract

Background

The increasing use of diagnostic imaging has improved disease detection and patient management; however, it has also increased occupational exposure concerns among healthcare workers involved in radiological procedures. Adequate knowledge and consistent application of radiation protection measures are essential to minimize unnecessary exposure. This study was conducted to assess radiation dose awareness and safety practices among radiology personnel working in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Objective

To evaluate the level of knowledge regarding radiation hazards, dose awareness and radiation protection practices among radiology staff, identify existing gaps, and suggest appropriate educational interventions for improving workplace safety.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among radiology personnel at the Department of Radiology of a Tertiary Hospital in Lodhran, Punjab, Pakistan. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information regarding demographic characteristics, radiation safety knowledge and routine protective practices. Participants included radiologists, radiographers, CT technicians, nurses and supporting technical staff. Knowledge and practice scores were calculated, and associations between participant characteristics and radiation safety awareness were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

Results

A total of 100 radiology staff members participated in the study. Overall, 48% of participants demonstrated good knowledge regarding radiation safety, while 34% showed moderate knowledge and 18% had poor knowledge. Most participants recognized the harmful effects of ionizing radiation (91%) and the protective role of lead shielding (86%). However, knowledge regarding occupational dose limits and radiation monitoring remained inadequate. Regular lead apron use was reported by 82% of participants, whereas personal dosimeter compliance was observed among 69%. Participants with previous radiation safety training showed significantly higher knowledge and practice scores compared with those without training (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Radiology staff demonstrated acceptable awareness of basic radiation protection principles; however, important gaps remain in dose-related knowledge, monitoring practices and structured training exposure. Regular radiation safety education, continuous professional development and effective departmental monitoring systems are recommended to improve occupational protection and strengthen radiation safety culture in healthcare facilities.

Keywords

  • Radiation safety; radiation dose awareness; radiology staff; occupational radiation exposure; radiation protection; personal dosimetry; ALARA principle; healthcare workers; cross-sectional survey; Pakistan.

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