Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 1 ), 36 – 41 © SFRP , 2024 https :// doi . org / 10.1051 / radiopro / 2023044 Available online at : www . radioprotection . org
ARTICLE
Evaluating the knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection in portable radiological examinations among nurses in pediatric intensive care units
N . A . Alomairy *
Diagnostic Radiography Technology ( DRT ) Department , Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences , Jazan University , Jazan , Saudi Arabia . Received : 5 November 2023 / Accepted : 13 December 2023
Abstract – This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection among nurses in pediatric intensive care units ( PICUs ), where portable radiological examinations are frequently conducted . In this study , we employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design using a 17-item selfadministered questionnaire . The study comprised 160 nurses , mostly female ( 91 %), with an even split in educational background between diploma and bachelor ’ s degree holders . The majority had 1 – 5 years ( 39 %) and 6 – 10 years ( 33 %) of experience , while only a small fraction ( 6.2 %) had undergone training in radiation protection . The overall scores of knowledge and attitudes were 2.9 ± 1.4 out of 7 and 3.1 ± 0.9 out of 4 , respectively . A statistically significant variation in knowledge scores was noted between those with a Bachelor ’ s degree ( 3.2 ± 1.4 ) and a Diploma ( 2.7 ± 1.3 ) ( p = 0.044 ). A positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores was statistically validated ( Spearman ’ s rho = 0.19 , p = 0.014 ), and training in radiation protection was identified as a significant factor affecting these scores ( estimate = – 1.38 , p = 0.025 ). The study reveals a poor level of knowledge and a good attitude towards radiation protection among PICU nurses in the Jizan Region . This emphasizes the need for targeted educational interventions and training programs in radiation safety to enhance the quality of care in pediatric radiological procedures .
Keywords : Knowledge / attitude / radiation / portable radiographs / radiation protection
1 Introduction
The utilization of medical imaging involving ionizing radiation serves as an indispensable tool in contemporary healthcare settings , often facilitating precise disease diagnosis and treatment planning ( Babaloui et al ., 2018 ). Approximately 30 – 50 % of critical medical decisions are predicated upon the results of radiological tests ( Anim-Sampong et al ., 2015 ). Despite the obvious merits , ionizing radiation carries an inherent risk , including stochastic and deterministic effects that escalate with dose magnitude and exposure duration ( Luntsi et al ., 2016 ; Alyami et al ., 2022 ; Alomairy , 2022 ). The potential for cellular damage and long-term carcinogenic effects necessitates stringent protective measures for both healthcare providers and patients .
Radiation safety , as defined by the International Commission on Radiological Protection ( ICRP ), aims to safeguard humans without unnecessarily hampering activities generating radiation exposure . It embodies key principles like “ time , distance , and shielding ,” which are vital for occupational ,
* Corresponding author : nalumairi @ jazanu . edu . sa medical , and public radiological protection ( Alzubaidi et al ., 2017 ).
In pediatric intensive care units ( PICUs ), mobile radiography stands as the primary diagnostic modality due to the logistical challenges associated with moving critically ill children attached to medical devices ( Babaloui et al ., 2018 ). This scenario raises the stakes for nurses , who frequently experience elevated exposure to ionizing radiation ( Dianati et al ., 2014 ). The range and frequency of radiation exposure among nurses differ globally , often dictated by their specific job roles ( Hirvonen et al ., 2019 ).
Nurses in PICUs are frontline caregivers who are intimately involved in the radiological processes , from patient preparation to post-procedure care ( Alyami et al ., 2022 ; Shubayr and Alashban , 2021 ). Their evolving role entails a understanding of radiation science and safety protocols to safeguard patients , healthcare workers , and the general public ( Luntsi et al ., 2016 ). However , it has been observed that some nurses demonstrate apprehension in radiation settings , impacting their efficiency and possibly compromising patient care ( Yusuf et al ., 2020 ; Alyami et al ., 2022 ).
Literature indicates a conspicuous gap in the radiation knowledge among nurses . Studies from Finland and Bandar