Knowledge and awareness of radiation hazards among Palestinian radio technologists
Date
2017-10-30
Authors
Hamarsheh, Ahmed
Amro, Ahmad
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization
Abstract
This study investigated 94.4% of Palestinian radio technologists and the mean percentage of correct
answers for knowledge and awareness questions was 26.4%. The percentage of correct answers for questions
testing knowledge of the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle and hormesis hypothesis was
66.5% and 17.2%, respectively. Radio technologists with education level higher than bachelor degree and < 5
years' work experience showed a significantly higher level of knowledge. The most radiosensitive organs were
correctly identified as the lungs and stomach by 6.9% and 4.9%, respectively, and 2.5% correctly identified
the gonads as the next most radiosensitive organ. There was a serious deficit in knowledge and awareness of
radiation hazards among Palestinian radio technologists, which may expose patients to unnecessary doses of
ionizing radiation. This indicates the need for mandatory training and education about radiation protection in all
Palestinian healthcare institutions.