Knowledge of Nigerian paediatric residents on ionizing radiation

Abstract

Introduction: Radiological investigations are common in paediatric practice. Paediatric age group is known to be ten times more susceptible to the effects of ionizing radiation than the adult population. These have increased lifetime risk of organ dose of  radiation and most importantly, have longer lifespan that make them susceptible to developing radiation induced cancers such as leukemia and brain tumors in later life. In view of this, there is need to evaluate knowledge of paediatric residents on ionizing  radiation.
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study carried out during the Intensive Update Course of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Faculty of Paediatrics which took third place in University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin City from 19 February to 3 March 2017. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data. A total of 153 registered participants at the 2017 edition of the update course and 100 of these participated in the research giving a response rate of 80.0%. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 16.0.
Results: Of the 100 participants, 89 had completely filled questionnaires were analyzed, mean (±) age was 34.0 ± 4.6 years (range 25 – 51 years) and mean (±) number of year of post-graduation from medical school was 7.6 ± 4.0 years (1 – 28 years); number of years in residency training 4.0 ± 3.0 years ( range 1 – 16 years). Thirty-nine (43.8%) were males and 50 (56.2%) were females. About half of the respondents had poor knowledge of ionizing radiation, 21 (24.0%) had fair knowledge, 17 (19.0% had good knowledge and only 7 (8.0%) had excellent knowledge. The percentage knowledge score of the respondents was not significantly associated with if the respondents had received lecture on ionizing radiation (χ² = 4.29, p = 0.23, 95%CL 0.20, 0.39).
Conclusion: Percentage knowledge score of paediatric residents on ionizing radiation is poor. There is need for regular lectures or continuing medical education on ionizing radiation for Nigerian paedriatic residents.

Keywords: paediatrics, resident doctor, ionizing radiation.