Social-Demographic Characteristics and Awareness of Radiation Hazards among Radiology Technicians and Sub staff of Radiology Units in Benue State.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the socio-demographic characteristics and awareness of X-ray biohazards among technicians and sub-staff of radiology units in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria. One hundred questionnaires were distributed but only 61 respondents took part in the study comprising 55(90.2%) males and 6(9.8%) females. Details regarding social demographic characteristics (sex, age, cadre, years of experience, training received, level of income, hospital of practice, whom they work with) were also obtained. The ages of the respondents ranged from 20 to 59 years. Among the respondents, 21 (34.4%) had receive some training on radiation protection. The majority of the study group had poor awareness of radiation. It was suggested that regulatory authorities should improve their monitoring activities and also hospitals should be encouraged to organize in-house training for technicians and sub-staff.

Keywords: Socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, Radiation Hazards Sub-staff, Technicians