ISSN 2347-954X (Print) An evaluation of knowledge and practice towards radiation protection among radiographers of Agra city

Abstract: Radiation protection among radiographers has gained concern in recent times. The level of awareness concerning with radiation protection influences staff behavior. If they have not enough information related to mentioned issue, their action will not be safe and resulted to adverse effects. The objective is to evaluate the current status of knowledge and practices towards radiation protection among radiographers of Agra city. In this cross-sectional study, radiographers working in various hospitals of Agra city were identified and interviewed at their workplaces. List of health centers or hospitals providing radiology services in Agra city was obtained. These health centers or hospitals served as study places. Eligible study subjects were identified and interviewed. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire served as study tool for this purpose. Data of 50 participants was included in the final analysis. 68% subjects had experience of upto 5 years for working in radiology. All the respondents agreed to being exposed to radiation with 40% of them using radiation in 6-10 cases in a week. All the study subjects were aware of use of special materials in doors and walls such as lead for more protection, periodical radiation dose check from TLD and usage of personal Protective devices. Lead gloves or protective eye glasses were never used by 70% and 76% of subjects respectively. The dosimeters were never/rarely used by 66% of the subjects. There exists 'knowledge-practice gap' about usage of personal Protective devices among radiographers. Concerned department should launch IEC campaigns in the form of workshops, training courses, distribution of sensitization materials about ionizing radiation in order to bridge the identified gap