Evaluating the knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection in portable radiological examinations among nurses in pediatric intensive care units

Abstract

This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection among nurses in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), where portable radiological examinations are frequently conducted. In this study, we employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design using a 17-item self-administered questionnaire. The study consisted of 160 nurses, mostly female (91%), with an even split in educational background between diploma and bachelor’s degree holders. The majority had 1-5 years (39%) and 6-10 years (33%) of experience, while only a small fraction (6.2%) had undergone training in radiation protection. The overall score of knowledge and attitudes scores were 2.9 ± 1.4 out of 7 and 3.1 ± 0.9 out 4, respectively. A statistically significant variation in knowledge scores was noted between those with a Bachelor's degree (3.2 ± 1.4) and a Diploma (2.7 ± 1.3) (p=0.044). A positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores was statistically validated (Spearman’s rho = 0.19, p=0.014), and training in radiation protection was identified as a significant factor affecting these scores (Estimate = -1.38, p = 0.025). The study reveals a poor level of knowledge and a good attitude towards radiation protection among PICU nurses in the Jazan region. This emphasizes the need for targeted educational interventions and training programs in radiation safety to enhance the quality of care in pediatric radiological procedures.