Assessing radiation protection knowledge in diagnostic radiography in the Republic of Cyprus. A questionnaire survey

• Published in: Radiography (London, England. 1995) Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. e88 - e93
• Main Authors: Zervides, C., Sassis, L., Kefala-Karli, P., Christou, V., Derlagen, A., Papapetrou, P., Heraclides, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-05-2020
• Subjects: Diagnostic radiography; Radiation awareness; Radiation dose; Radiation protection; Radiation safety; Radiation dose; Radiation awareness; Radiation safety; Radiation protection; Diagnostic radiography
• ISSN: 1078-8174; 1532-2831
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2019.11.003

Radiation protection knowledge is essential for medical personnel in ensuring that the possible risks do not outweigh the benefits of diagnostic imaging. This study aimed to assess the radiation protection knowledge of radiographers in Cyprus.
A cross-sectional study was carried out among radiographers in Cyprus through the Cyprus Society of Registered Radiologic Technologists & Radiation Therapy Technologists. The study was a quantitative descriptive analysis, using a questionnaire with 22 multiple-choice questions. Analysis of the data was done using the statistical software Stata, by performing mean knowledge score comparisons by different participants’ characteristics, using t-test and analysis of variance test. Statistical significance was assumed as a p-value < 0.05.
The answers provided for each question indicate that some areas of radiation protection are less known compared to others, as there is quite a wide range of correct-to-incorrect ratios. The analysis based on participant characteristics in relation to overall radiation effects knowledge, identified important determinants, namely the workplace of the participant (p = 0.006), the type of work licence the participant held at the time of the questionnaire (p = 0.024), and the years of clinical experience of the participant (p = 0.021).
The study showed that the levels of knowledge in radiation protection are of a very good standard. However, work is needed to clarify the specifics of dose limits and the national radiation protection legislation with regards to informing patients about the possible effects of ionising radiation.
The study results indicate the importance of educating radiographers about the requirements of national radiation protection legislation and how this new knowledge can be linked with practise.