Radiation safety awareness among patients and radiographers in three hospitals in Port Harcourt

People become nervous and worried whenever they are exposed to X-rays or similar forms of radiation. Such reactions may be attributed to ignorance, hearsay or actual knowledge of the harmful effects associated with these forms of radiation. To ascertain the true position a Radiation Safety Awareness survey was conducted among patients who receive X-ray irradiation at three Hospitals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The study employed the use of a carefully thought-out questionnaire administered to one hundred and fifty (150) patients and radiographers at the selected hospitals. Seventy-five of eighty (93.8%) of the radiographers, and sixty of seventy (85.7%) of patients responded. Of these 44 (58.7%) of the radiographers reported that they were aware of the dangers of ionizing radiation, while 52 (86.7%) of the patients expressed ignorance. We have shown that the patients’ awareness of the dangers of ionizing radiation is very poor while level awareness by the radiographers is unacceptable. In conclusion, concerted effort is to be made by all concerned for a successful healthcare delivery.