ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION PROTECTION AWARENESS LEVELS IN MEDICAL RADIATION SCIENCE TECHNOLOGISTS -A PILOT SURVEY

Abstract

Objective: To assess the radiation protection awareness levels of medical radiation technologists working

in three major hospitals of Peshawar metropolitan.

Material and Methods: The authors developed two questionnaires along with curriculum vitae form for

the radiographers and radiation technologists. The questionnaires contained questions pertaining to

radiation protection practices, procedures, dose limits and existing national and international standards

They were asked to complete the questionnaires and the same were collected back on the spot. Forty one

technologists were included in this pilot survey.

Results: The educational qualification of the 41 technologists in all the three specialities ranged from

secondary school certificate to Master of Arts. The experience duration (mean ± SD) of the sample group

professional practice in medical radiation science (MRS) technology was 15 ± 8 years, with duration

ranging from 1-32 years. It was observed that the radiation awareness knowledge levels in the sample

group varied widely with a range of 35-95% and a median score of 75%. It was observed that educational

background and duration of experience in the medical radiation science profession affects the awareness

levels.

Conclusion: The survey results revealed that there is a strong need for technologists training programme

in all the three MRS specialities both at regional and national level. Moreover there is also a need for

relevant educational background in science and introduction of personal qualities (PQA) tests for MRS

technologists at the time of selection and recruitments.