ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE REGARDING HARMFUL EFFECTS OF RADIATION AND PROTECTION PROTOCOLS AMONG RADIOLOGY UNDERGRADUATE PRIVATE SECTOR STUDENTS

Background: Radiation is an essential tool in medical imaging; however, exposure to ionizing radiation poses potential health risks to both healthcare providers and patients. Ensuring adequate knowledge and adherence to radiation protection protocols is critical, particularly for radiology students who are transitioning into clinical practice. Developing a strong foundation in radiation safety during undergraduate education can significantly reduce occupational hazards and promote safe imaging practices. Objective: To assess the knowledge, awareness, and application of radiation protection measures among undergraduate radiology students enrolled in private-sector institutions in Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 383 undergraduate radiology students actively engaged in clinical rotations. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants from multiple private-sector universities. Data were collected using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire comprising items on radiation hazards, protective measures, and compliance with safety protocols. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS version 29.0, and chi-square tests were applied to determine associations between knowledge levels and demographic variables, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among 383 participants, 54% were female and 46% male, with the majority (79.4%) enrolled in the fifth semester. Overall, 90.3% demonstrated awareness of general radiation hazards, 78.6% were familiar with the ALARA principle, and 66.3% understood stochastic and deterministic effects. Only 29.5% knew occupational dose limits, while 35.2% were unaware of dosimeter usage. A total of 60% reported using personal protective equipment, and 50% had received formal training. Awareness varied across gender, semester, and institution. Conclusion: The findings highlight a strong theoretical base but significant practical knowledge gaps among radiology students. Strengthening educational frameworks through hands-on training, structured curricula, and institutional support is vital to improve radiation safety practices.