Published Paper Details:

PURPOSE: The study was conducted among Medical Imaging Technology students of Jamia Hamdard (Deemed to be University) regarding radiation protection devices, their uses, and handling. METHODS: A questionnaire-based study was carried out in the department of paramedical sciences among students of Medical Imaging Technology. A standardized, semi-structured, questionnaire was prepared, validated, and circulated among a population of 150 (undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma) students. Data was recorded and statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2019. RESULTS: One hundred fifty (150) participants were taking part in this study out of which 100(66.7%) were undergraduates, 38(25.3%) were postgraduates and 12(8%) were diploma students of Medical Imaging Technology. There were 85(56.7%) males and 65(43.3%) females and their level of knowledge about radiation protection devices, their uses, and, handling were found to be good. Majority of the population i.e.; 37.3% had excellent knowledge, 34.7% had good knowledge and 28% had poor knowledge regarding radiation protection devices. Most of the participants have good knowledge about radiation protection devices but some of the students have less knowledge about the thickness of lead disc (23.3%) had selected the correct option, when asked about the recommended period of OSLD badge (36.1%), types of TLD badge (38.7%) and cardinal principles of radiation protection (32.7%). There is a need for further awareness and knowledge about these important aspects.it is also important that the persons working in the imaging department should know the radiation protection principle and different guidelines issued from time to time by international and national organizations like ICRP, AERB, NCRP, etc. for safe operations. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that most of the respondents show a good knowledge of radiation hazards, radiation protection, and safety, despite poor radiation protection practices, but still radiation exposure and prevalence of abnormal clinical conditions were found to be below. Therefore, there is a need for periodic training and theoretical sessions. It's also important to update the students and radiology technologists about new techniques and development to decrease the radiation risks and accidents. From this study, we suggest that all members of the health care community should attend the seminars, guest lectures, or other feasible methods so the persons associated with the medical imaging technology would use these types of radiation protection devices for safe operations.it is also the responsibility of radiology students as well as technologists to work under guidelines issued by different national and international organizations to make a safer environment for imaging.