Towards Developing A Radiation Protection Culture In Diagnostic Radiography In Nigeria: A Pilot Survey

Background: Effective utility of Radiation Protection (RP) is premised on the adoption of its practice as a culture. There have been concerns for the observed poor adherence to radiation protection guidelines in diagnostic radiology service delivery in Nigeria. Objective: This study sought to identify reasons for this position and explore the challenges militating against development of a radiation protection culture among medical radiation workers in the country. Materials and Methods: Self-study questionnaires were used to access information on familiarity with and knowledge of the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ (ALARA) principle and the National Commission for Radiological Protection (NCRP) guidelines, attitudes, procedures and techniques in radiation protection and dose optimization, individual participation, methods and challenges of optimization and protection, quality of personnel, legislation and level of training received on radiation protection by radiation users from practicing radiographers and radiologists in Nigeria. Information obtained from the responses was organized and presented in simple percentages. Result: While all respondents claimed familiarity with ALARA and NCRP guidelines for radiation protection, 76% were not usually involved in radiation protection. Reasons for this ranged from workload, unavailability of protection equipment and personnel. Findings generally reflect a poor RP culture deriving from poor practitioner attitudes, lack of equipment for RP, inadequate funding, a lack of sustained interest, inaccessible legislation and poor regulator monitoring. At least 87% of respondents felt that regular monitoring of protection protocols would compel them to adopt RP practice as a routine. Conclusion: The findings are suggestive of a need for attitudinal change among radiation users and regulators as a first step towards adopting a radiation protection culture in Nigeria.