Radiation Safety Awareness and Practices among Public Health Workers in Medina General Hospital

Radiation safety is essential in healthcare settings where ionizing radiation is used, placing public health workers at risk if safety measures are inadequate. At Medina General Hospital, assessing the awareness and practices regarding radiation safety among health workers is vital to improving institutional safety and protecting both staff and patients. This descriptive-correlational study involved 145 public health workers at Medina General Hospital. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire assessing radiation safety awareness and practices. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. Overall radiation safety awareness was at an average level (mean = 3.356). Workers showed high recognition of perceived severity (3.920), perceived benefits (4.112), and cues to action (3.509), but only moderate perceived susceptibility (3.328) and self-efficacy (2.786). Perceived barriers were low (2.483). Radiation safety practices were rated high overall (mean = 3.704), with positive attitudes (3.815), subjective norms (3.610), and strong behavioral intentions (4.055). Perceived behavioral control was moderate (3.335). No significant correlation was found between awareness and practices (Spearman’s rho = 0.013, p = 0.876). Although public health workers demonstrate high awareness of radiation risks and engage in safety practices, moderate self-efficacy and susceptibility highlight the need for targeted training to build confidence. The lack of correlation between awareness and practice suggests other factors influence safety behaviors. Enhancing perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy through continuous education and practical training is recommended to improve consistent radiation safety practice in the hospital setting.