Evaluation of radiation protection knowledge and practices among Moroccan operating room nurses
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated radiation protection knowledge and practices among 206 Moroccan operating room nurses through a tailored 42-item self-administered questionnaire. The study population exhibited a predominance of male participants (81.1%) and a significant proportion of young professionals (42.2% aged 20–29). Notably, 91.7% of participants reported no prior formal radiation protection training. Data analysis revealed a mean global knowledge score of 4.98 ± 1.02 out of 10, with only 1.9% of participants achieving a high level of knowledge. Specifically, the mean scores for ionizing radiation (IR) and radiation protection (RP) knowledge reached 5.17 ± 1.05 and 4.79 ± 1.18, respectively, with 1.5% of participants demonstrating high-level understanding in both domains. Statistical analysis revealed significant positive correlations between ionizing radiation (IR) and radiation protection (RP) knowledge scores (r2 = 0.446, p < 0.001), as well as between global knowledge and practice scores (r2 = 0.481, p < 0.001). This investigation highlights a significant gap between theoretical understanding and practical application, emphasizing the need for preliminary training programs before operating room assignments and ongoing education initiatives. Such training should prioritize hands-on experience while addressing resource limitations and the influence of existing operational procedures to improve radiological safety in Moroccan operating rooms.
Source: Radioprotection
Authors: I. Harbaj, A. Kharchaf, E.M. Chakir, S. Harbaj
Language: English
Topic: Radiation Dose and Imaging
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,732
OpenAlex ID: W4403509515