AbstractThe study investigates Knowledge and Awareness of Radiation Exposure and Safety Practice among Patients Undergoing Medical Imaging in 3 Selected Hospitals in Bauchi. The objective of the research was to examine the Knowledge and Awareness of Radiation Exposure and Safety Practice among Patients Undergoing Medical Imaging in 3 Selected Hospitals in Bauchi.
Methodology: A total population of 172 patients was used for the purposes of the research. Research questionnaire was used as instrument for collecting data and statistical techniques such as frequency, mean and standard deviation were used for analyzing the data.
Result: It was discovered that the patients have basic knowledge on ionizing radiations. Such knowledge include them knowing that Ionizing radiations are used in the hospitals to ascertain the body parts of patients before surgeries are performed on patients. They also revealed that the patients are aware of some side effects of ionizing radiations. They opined that ionizing radiations cause mutation, skin cancer and related infections, irritations on the skin, killing of vital cells in the body. They were of the opinion that the side effects of these radiations can reduce the life span of an individual.
Recommendations: Enlightenment and seminars should be organized for patients going for radiotherapy in hospitals, adequate radiotherapy protective equipment should be made available in the hospitals for the patients to use, and the staff in the Radiology Department and patients going for radiotherapy should endeavor to always wear protective equipment when carrying out radiations.
