Publication

Abstract :

Background: Investigative imaging techniques used in medicine constitute the highest radiation source to which humans are constantly exposed apart from the normal background radiation from nature. The aim of this study is to assess awareness of radiation protection measures among the final year medical students and medical intern doctors

Materials and methods: This is a questionnaire based cross sectional study conducted at the department of Radio-diagnosis in Yenepoya Medical College Hospital. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical norms as laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed written consent was taken from the subjects before enrolling them for the study. The questionnaire is a structured and self administered one containing 18 closed ended multiple choice questions consisting of knowledge of radiation safety principles, barriers to protect transfer of radiations, precautions to be taken, hazards of radiation, etcwhich will be distributed among 41 final year medical students and 41interndoctors. The total mean score ranged from 0 to 18, with higher scores representing greater knowledge about radiation doses and the associated risks. All the MBBS medical students in their final year of training prior to graduation and intern doctors who were willing to participate in the study were included. First to third year MBBS students, postgraduates and radiographer students were excluded from the present study.

Results: The study population consisted of 41 medical students and 41 medical interns. Total of 39 female and 43 male students. The mean age of the students was 22.05±0.21 and interns were 23.39±.54. All the students and interns responded to the entire 18 questionnaire, assessing the various aspect of knowledge among participants. Overall total score of the entire 18 questionnaire was higher in interns than the students. This difference was non-significant.

Conclusion: Care should be taken to train health care professionals to eliminate the risk of exposure to radiation at regular intervals and radiological protection should be a subject of periodic training.