Knowledge of occupational hazards and practice of occupational safety among diagnostic radiographers in university of port Harcourt teaching hospital, rivers state
1 Department of Human Kinetics, Health and Safety Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Research Article
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 19(02), 391–400.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.19.2.0529
Publication history:
Received on 04 July 2024; revised on 19 August 2024; accepted on 22 August 2024
Abstract:
Health workers particularly radiographers have continuously faced with various occupational hazards due to the occupational environment that is associated with unsafe working conditions and lack of protective equipment. This study aimed to explore knowledge of occupational hazards and practice of occupational safety among diagnostic radiographers in university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital, Rivers state. The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data from 226 radiographers. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results shows good knowledge occupational hazards (72.8%); and good practice of occupational safety (68.5%). Regarding safety practices, radiographers exhibited moderate radiation protection practices (71.2%), with most portraying good practices. No significant gender or age differences were found in practices. Experience did not affect practices significantly. Radiographers with specialized training displayed better practices. The study concluded that radiographers had appreciably high knowledge and moderate safety practices. The study recommended continuing education programs, monitoring of practices, adequate protective facilities, and enhanced curriculum on radiation safety are required to address knowledge and practice gaps among radiographers in Nigeria.
Keywords:
Knowledge; Occupational Hazards; Practice of Occupational Safety; Diagnostic Radiographers; University of Port Harcourt
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