Radiation safety: knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceived socioeconomic impact in a limited-resource radiotherapy setting

Healthcare workers in teaching-hospital settings face numerous occupational hazards, necessitating comprehensive safety protocols to protect both staff and patients. Radiation safety is particularly critical in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where the sharp rise in radiological procedures and radiation treatments demands stringent protocols to mitigate health risks. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to radiation safety among healthcare workers in a limited-resource setting, as well as evaluate the perceived socioeconomic impact of implementing radiation safety protocols. The research was a quantitative case study of one of the largest radiotherapy centres in Africa. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a modified structured questionnaire based on the validated International Atomic Energy Agency radiation safety knowledge, attitudes and practice questionnaire. Data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Data were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. The study involved 78 participants, comprising 13 physicians, 40 nurses and 25 other health workers. In all, 53.8% were males, whereas 46.2% were females. The mean age was 24.9 years (SD 4.7) ranging from 23 to 47 years. A significant majority (82%) were knowledgeable about effective ways of reducing radiation exposure. All participants considered radiation safety extremely important, with 55% feeling extremely confident in their ability to practice radiation safety measures. The majority (92%) believed that radiation safety was a shared responsibility within the organization. Only 51% frequently checked radiation safety equipment. There was a strong consensus that these protocols positively affect healthcare worker well-being (a mean score of 4.49) and benefit patient care (a mean score of 4.45). Implementation of workplace safety protocols was perceived to improve worker well-being (B = 0.337 and p = 0.001) and benefit patient care (B = 0.391 and p = 0.014). The study highlights a high level of knowledge and positive attitudes towards radiation safety among healthcare workers in a limited-resource radiotherapy setting. While most participants recognized the importance of radiation safety and its shared responsibility, less than half regularly checked safety equipment. There were significant perceptions of the socioeconomic benefits of implementing safety protocols.