Assessment of radiation protection against knowledge, attitude and practice in nuclear medicine facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

BackgroundMedical imaging is a major source of ionizing radiation exposure in healthcare. Effective radiation protection relies not only on facility design but also on healthcare staff knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP).ObjectiveTo evaluate KAP related to radiation protection among staff at two nuclear medicine facilities such as Facility A and Facility B in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and assess relationships with occupational exposure and facility design.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 28 personnel using structured questionnaires, checklists, and interviews. KAP scores were calculated, with thresholds for satisfactory performance defined as ≥67 % for knowledge, attitude (corrected for misconceptions), and practice. Occupational doses were measured and compared with ICRP limits.ResultsEighty-five point seven percent of participants demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, while only 64.3 % had a good attitude after correcting misconceptions, such as the incorrect belief that dosimeters prevent all radiation. Seventy-five percent of personnel followed adequate radiation protection practices. The mean annual occupational dose was 0.33 ± 0.13 mSv, significantly below the ICRP limit of 20 mSv/year, indicating low actual exposure despite some gaps in understanding. Although education and occupation influenced practice, no statistically significant associations were found with overall knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) scores.ConclusionWhile personnel show adequate knowledge and practice, critical misconceptions about dosimeter function remain. Continuous training and education are necessary to correct these misconceptions. Occupational exposure levels are low, but improved safety culture and awareness are needed to maintain long-term protection. Future research should explore correlations between individual KAP scores and dose readings.