KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE REGARDING RADIATION PROTECTION AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN D.I. KHAN, PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Ionizing radiation is used extensively in medical diagnosis and therapy but is a hazard to healthcare workers (HCWs) who are routinely exposed during radiological procedures. To reduce this risk, adequate knowledge coupled with a positive attitude and safe practice with regards to radiation protection is essential.This study aimed to evaluate the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of health care workers on the issue of radiation protection in a tertiary hospital at D. I. Khan, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out during 4 months (March – July 2026) in three health care settings in D.I. Khan BIO MED, DHQ Hospital and MMMH. Sample size was determined from the WHO sample size calculator (95% confidence level, 5% margin of error) and a sample of 218 HCWs occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation was selected by convenience sampling. A self-administered structured questionnaire with three sections: Demographic, Knowledge, and Attitude/Practice was used to collect data, which was analyzed in SPSS version 26, descriptive statistics (frequency and percent). Results: The majority of respondents held a diploma level qualification (65.6%) and had less than 5 years of experience (64.2%) with the majority being male (71.1%). Most of the personnel worked in X-ray departments (45.9%). 140 (64.2%) of the participants reported to know about the ALARA principle and 148 (67.8%) knew about the cardinal principles of radiation protection, while only 81 (37.1%) knew about TLD badges/pocket dosimeters and only 60 (27.5%) about annual radiation dose limits. Of the respondents, 156 (71.5%) reported using a regular lead apron and 183 (83.9%) reported using a personal dosimeter, while only a small fraction of respondents reported using lead gloves (14.6%), thyroid collars (19.2%) or goggles (5.9%). In total, 130 (59.6%) used the cardinal principles of radiation protection consistently throughout procedures. Conclusion: HCWs in this setting had moderate knowledge of fundamental radiation safety principles and decent adherence to the use of lead apron and dosimeters but significant lack of knowledge or use of S.P.E. and knowledge of annual dose limits. These gaps are recommended to be addressed through structured training, incorporation of radiation safety content into allied health curricula, and frequent oversight and monitoring of the work.

Keywords: Radiation protection; Healthcare personnel; Health knowledge, attitudes, practice; ALARA principle; Occupational exposure; Personal protective equipment.