Evaluation of Adherence to Radiation Safety Practices and Protection Protocols at the Radiology Departments in Derna City

Narjis Nasr Riheel; Zynab Faraj Elwafe

doi:10.33214/wnesx212

Authors

Narjis Nasr Riheel College of Medical Technology, Department of Radiology, Derna, Libya Author
Zynab Faraj Elwafe College of Medical Technology, Department of Radiology, Derna, Libya Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33214/wnesx212

Keywords:

Radiation Protection, Safety protocols, Radiographers, Radiation practices.

Abstract

The most important prospective challenges in radiation protection and safety protocols in radiology departments need to be revised and emphasized. This study assesses radiographers’ adherence to radiation protection practices in radiology departments within Derna city/ Libya. A cross-sectional study was conducted among radiographers; 70 self-administrated questionnaires were sent to the participants, only 58 radiographers generating a response of 82.8%. An analysis was conducted to determine participants’ adherence to radiation protection practices, including the implementation of personal protection, patient and environmental protection. The educational level of the radiographers, their years of experience and sociodemographic attributes were considered and compared. The percentage of radiographers’ adherence to practices related to environmental protection, patient protection and self-protection were 86.2 %, 74.1% and 60.2%, respectively. A highly significant positive relationship was identified between PPE usage and compliance (Spearman’s ρ = 0.522, p = 0.000). However, significant association was observed between training level and PPE usage (Spearman’s ρ = -0.041, p = 0.75). Also, an unexpected negative relationship was found between training level and compliance (Spearman’s ρ = -0.2760, p = 0.03). Most of radiographers’ practices proved relatively unsatisfactory in implementing radiation protection protocols. Thus, proactive measures and corrective actions are necessary to develop radiographers’ awareness of international standards of accurate radiation protection practices.

Author Biography

Zynab Faraj Elwafe , College of Medical Technology, Department of Radiology, Derna, Libya

Evaluation of Adherence to Radiation Safety Practices and Protection Protocols at the Radiology Departments in Derna City

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