Nigerian Medical Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2013  |  Volume : 54  |  Issue : 6  |  Page : 386--391

Assessment of radiation protection practices among radiographers in Lagos, Nigeria


Cletus Uche Eze, Livinus Chibuzo Abonyi, Jerome Njoku, Nicholas Kayode Irurhe, Oluwabola Olowu 
 Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Suru-Lere, Lagos, Nigeria

Correspondence Address:
Cletus Uche Eze
Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnosis and radiography, Faculty of clinical sciences, college of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-araba, Lagos
Nigeria

Background: Use of ionising radiation in diagnostic radiography could lead to hazards such as somatic and genetic damages. Compliance to safe work and radiation protection practices could mitigate such risks. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and radiation protection practices among radiographers in Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective cross sectional survey. Convenience sampling technique was used to select four x-ray diagnostic centres in four tertiary hospitals in Lagos metropolis. Data were analysed with Epi- info software, version 3.5.1. Results: Average score on assessment of knowledge was 73%. Most modern radiation protection instruments were lacking in all the centres studied. Application of shielding devices such as gonad shield for protection was neglected mostly in government hospitals. Most x-ray machines were quite old and evidence of quality assurance tests performed on such machines were lacking. Conclusion: Radiographers within Lagos metropolis showed an excellent knowledge of radiation protection within the study period. Adherence to radiation protection practices among radiographers in Lagos metropolis during the period studied was, however, poor. Radiographers in Lagos, Nigeria should embrace current trends in radiation protection and make more concerted efforts to apply their knowledge in protecting themselves and patients from harmful effects of ionising radiation.


How to cite this article:
Eze CU, Abonyi LC, Njoku J, Irurhe NK, Olowu O. Assessment of radiation protection practices among radiographers in Lagos, Nigeria.Niger Med J 2013;54:386-391


How to cite this URL:
Eze CU, Abonyi LC, Njoku J, Irurhe NK, Olowu O. Assessment of radiation protection practices among radiographers in Lagos, Nigeria. Niger Med J [serial online] 2013 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];54:386-391
Available from: https://www.nigeriamedj.com/article.asp?issn=0300-1652;year=2013;volume=54;issue=6;spage=386;epage=391;aulast=Eze;type=0