Radiation Hazards and Protection: are Nepalese Radiologists Up to Date?

Abstract

Introduction: Radiation safety is a major concern in this modern era of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology. Institutions in Nepal still lack the adequate standards to maintain radiation safety. This study was conducted to assess the status of update on radiation hazards and methods of protection among radiologists in Kathmandu.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was performed during continuing medical education program at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu before and after a lecture session on radiation hazards and protection.

Results: A total of 28 participants volunteered to answer the questionnaire. The mean pretest score was 57.8±29.7, which increased to 83.5± 16.8 after the lecture session. Twelve (42.86%) participants scored less than 50%, which increased significantly comparable to the rest (scoring more than 50%) in posttest score. Mean score was least in ionizing radiation questions.

Conclusion: The update on radiation hazards and methods of protection is inadequate among radiologists in Kathmandu. Continuing medical education programs pertinent to the topic must be regularly conducted to keep the radiologists up to date.