Radiology Nurses' Awareness of Radiation

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the awareness level of radiation risks and protection among radiology nurses in Kuwait. The results showed that the vast majority of these nurses were not aware of radiations risks and the most important aspects of radiation protection. In addition, they expressed their fear of radiation and their interest to learn more about it. Implementation of courses on radiation for nurses was recommended.

Section snippets

Effects of Radiation

The effects of radiation may be classified into stochastic and nonstochastic (Sherer, Visconti, & Ritenour, 2002). Stochastic effects are described as random and unpredictable and can result in cancer or genetic mutations, whereas nonstochastic effects are predictable and preventable. Erythema, epilation, and decreased sperm count are examples of nonstochastic effects. Special protection should be provided to certain organs of the body, namely the thyroid and the reproductive organs (gonads)

Setting

The study was conducted in Kuwait, a country that lies at the northwest corner of the Arabian (Persian) Gulf, between latitudes 28°N and 30°N and longitudes 46°E and 48°E. It has a total area of 17,818 km2, and it is divided into six health regions (Kennedy, 1998). Hospitals representing four health regions were used for the study. These were the Capital, Hawalli, Al-Sabah, and Al-Jahra health regions.

Sample

The sample of this study included 35 radiology nurses working in radiology departments

Results

Table 1 shows a summary of demographic data of radiology nurses. As expected the largest group of the population (86%) was of Asian origin, and the smallest group (14%) was of non-Kuwaiti Arab origin. This distribution is typical, not only of hospitals in Kuwait but also of those in the Arabian Gulf Region. A large majority of the nurses, 16 (44%), almost half of the sample, were between the ages 30 and 39 years. The second largest group, 11 (34%), was made up of nurses who were 40 years and

Discussion

The objective of this study was to explore the awareness level of radiation risks among radiology nurses working in different hospitals in Kuwait. The demographic data of the radiology nurses suggested that the level of awareness to radiation could not be attributed to their nationality, age, gender, qualification, or experience in both nursing and radiology departments. The results also suggested that the vast majority of these nurses were not aware of the two principles of radiation

Limitations of the Study

This study recognizes the following limitations:

  • The results of this study and the conclusions are limited to the geographic areas covered by this study and the selected health care facilities.

  • The findings are limited to the period in which the study was conducted.

  • The small number of participants in some categories may not be representative of that category.

  • The health care facilities that are covered by the study are five governmental hospitals. The private hospitals, Kuwait Oil Company

Conclusions and Recommendations

Unfortunately, most nurses working in radiology departments in Kuwait hospitals are not aware of the radiation protection and risks. They are not provided with courses regarding radiation risks before or after they become radiology nurses. Worse still was the fact that they were not specialized in radiology. They were only assigned by their nursing managers to work in this area without proper preparation from both the nursing and the radiology departments. Sadly, these nurses were not provided

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