Knowledge and awareness of radiation hazards and protection among radiology staff: a multicenter questionnaire study

Background Radiation-based radiology modalities are increasingly used for procedural and surgical interventions, necessitating that staff are knowledgeable about potential risks to protect themselves and patients. This study aims to assess radiology staff members' awareness and understanding of radiation risks and protective measures, and to identify potential influencing variables. Methods A survey was conducted in a radiology department to assess employees' knowledge of radiation risks, categorizing their awareness into poor, moderate, and good levels. This cross-sectional study included 15 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sensitive organs, annual radiation dosage, secure distance, personal protective equipment, and the fundamentals of radiation safety, with scores ranging from 50 to 75%. Results A total of 210 participants enrolled in this study, with 61.9% demonstrating moderate awareness of radiation hazards. Only 26.7% of participants attended seminars on radiation hazards and protection. The majority of participants, 85.2% and 70.5%, respectively, were aware of radiation exposure protocols (kilo voltage peak/milliampere-seconds) and radiation exposure considerations for pregnant patients. Despite 86.7% of participants considering radiation exposure extremely dangerous, only 69% consistently wore lead aprons, and just 43.8% and 24.9% consistently used lead goggles and thyroid shielding, respectively. Only 48.6% exhibited adequate knowledge, with merely 34 individuals achieving the highest possible knowledge score of 30. Conclusions The findings suggest that while radiology staff have an adequate level of awareness, their knowledge of radiation risks and protective measures remains comparatively low. To address this gap, it is essential to enhance educational standards and knowledge dissemination regarding radiation hazards, employ competent workers, provide appropriate safety gear, and organize conferences and workshops on radiation safety. Future research should focus on developing targeted educational programs to enhance protective awareness and practical skills among radiology staff.