N . A . Alomairy : Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 1 ), 36 – 41 39
Table 3 . Attitude of nurses towards radiation .
Items |
Yes |
No |
I do not know |
Do you stay away from patients during Exposure ? |
144 ( 90 %) |
13 ( 8.1 %) |
3 ( 1.9 %) |
Do you use lead Apron during radiographic Exposure ? |
140 ( 87.5 %). |
16 ( 10 %). |
4 ( 2.5 %) |
Do you read the safety radiation policy ? |
133 ( 70.6 %) |
40 ( 25 %) |
7 ( 4.4 %) |
Do you come to immediately the vicinity after X-ray exposure ? |
99 ( 61.9 %) |
44 ( 27.5 %) |
17 ( 10.6 %) |
Table 4 . Result of linear regression model between the overall score of knowledge and attitudes with demographic variables .
Predictor |
Estimate |
SE |
t |
p |
Intercept |
6.07 |
0.95 |
6.41 |
< 0.001 |
Sex : Female vs . male |
0.66 |
0.51 |
1.29 |
0.199 |
Age : 26 – 30 vs . 21 – 25 |
0.93 |
0.53 |
1.76 |
0.081 |
31 – 35 vs . 21 – 25 |
�0.13 |
0.61 |
�0.22 |
0.828 |
36 and above vs . 21 – 25 |
0.13 |
0.76 |
0.18 |
0.859 |
Education : BS � diploma |
0.19 |
0.37 |
0.51 |
0.609 |
Experience : 6 – 10 vs . 1 – 5 |
0.14 |
0.43 |
0.31 |
0.755 |
11 – 15 vs . 1 – 5 |
0.96 |
0.54 |
1.78 |
0.076 |
16 and above vs . 1 – 5 |
0.63 |
0.86 |
0.73 |
0.467 |
Training : No vs . Yes |
�1.38 |
0.61 |
�2.26 |
0.025 |
The result of the correlation between knowledge and attitude scores demonstrates a positively significant correlation ( Spearman ’ s rho = 0.19 , p-value = 0.014 ). Table 4 presents the results of a linear regression model examining the relationship between demographic variables and the overall scores of knowledge and attitudes . The result shows that none of the demographic variables , except for training in radiation protection , have a statistically significant impact on the overall scores of knowledge and attitudes . Those who did not receive training scored significantly lower than those who did ( estimate = �1.38 , p = 0.025 ).
4 Discussion
The significance of this study is manifold . Given that PICUs often necessitate frequent radiographic examinations for critical diagnoses and interventions , the role of nurses in ensuring radiation protection is pivotal . Despite their pivotal role , nurses in PICUs may not have specialized training in radiation protection , which could potentially compromise the safety of both healthcare providers and patients . This study revealed a number of interesting findings about the knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection among the participants . Females showed slightly higher knowledge and attitude scores than males , although the difference was not statistically significant . This is consistent with previous studies that have also found gender differences in knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection ( Al Ewaidat et al ., 2018 ; Luntsi et al ., 2016 ). The 26 – 30 age group exhibited the highest knowledge score , while the highest attitude score was observed in the 36 and above age group , although the difference was not statistically significant .
Our analysis revealed a significant difference in knowledge scores based on education level , indicating that education plays a significant role in knowledge about the topic . Participants with a bachelor ’ s degree had a higher knowledge score compared to those with a diploma . This has been emphasized by several studies ( Babaloui et al ., 2018 ). Interestingly , those with 16 years and above experience had the highest knowledge score , suggesting that experience could also contribute to increased knowledge . Several previous studies suggest that years of experience have an impact on the knowledge level of radiation protection ( Shah et al ., 2011 ). A study also found that Malaysian nurses had higher knowledge levels in radiation protection , indicating that experience may contribute to their knowledge ( Rahimi et al ., 2021 ).
A significant proportion of nurses were aware that radiation can cause harmful effects , but there were misconceptions about the harm and benefits of X-rays used in medical imaging . Furthermore , only a small percentage believed that radiation is used for boosting the immune system , indicating areas where further education may be beneficial . These findings are similar to those of other studies , which have also reported gaps in knowledge about radiation protection among healthcare workers ( Dianati et al ., 2014 ; Kurtul , 2018 ).
The study also found a statistically significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores . This suggests that as knowledge about radiation protection increases , attitudes towards it may also become more positive . This is in line with previous research that has found a positive relationship between knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection ( Babaloui et al ., 2018 ).
The linear regression model revealed that training in radiation protection was the only demographic variable that had a statistically significant impact on the overall scores of knowledge and attitudes . Those who did not receive training scored significantly lower than those who did , highlighting the importance of training in improving both knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection . This finding highlights the recommendations of previous studies , which have emphasized the importance of incorporating radiation protection standards into student curricula . Prior research consistently demonstrates the significant role of training in enhancing knowledge and attitudes about radiation protection among healthcare professionals . For example , studies variously show that inadequate training negatively impacts service provision , while increased training attendance and awareness-raising