The Determination of Health Services Vocational School Students’ Knowledge Levels About the Effects of Radiation on Health

Abstract

Radiation is the energy emitted from atomic nuclei when passing to steady state. People are exposed to radiation from many different sources. This research was carried out to determine the students' knowledge levels about the effects of radiation on health. This descriptive research was conducted by using 'questionnaire application method' with 351 students of Health Services Vocational School. The statistical analysis of the data was done by using descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. Medical Imaging Program students' answering ratios to the statements; 'Radiation causes headache by damaging brain cells' (86.0%), 'Radiation emitting devices disrupt people's psychology'(75.0%) and 'Cell phones have serious negative impacts on health' (68.0%) as 'yes' were statistically different from other students. The students who stated to take necessary precautions against radiation were determined; not to bring mobile phone in the bedroom (81.1%), to keep radiation emitting devices away from head while asleep (61.1%), not to use mobile phone while it is charged (55.2%), to use laptops away from body (58.3%) in higher ratios. It has been determined that the radiation knowledge level of the students taking health education is not sufficient. In this regard, it would be beneficial to make arrangements in their curricula.