Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Nursing - Department of Community Health Nursing

Aim of the study: to assess the ionizing radiation hazards and protection practices among radiographers at Cairo University hospitals. Methods: A descriptive research design . Setting: The study was conducted in radiology rooms in three hospitals affiliated to Cairo University; El Monera, EL Manial Specialized and El Manial University Hospitals. Sample: A Consecutive sample of all radiographers working in X-ray rooms were recruited and the sample size was 90 radiographers. Tools: Three tools were used; 1st tool Ionizing Radiation Hazards Structured Questionnaire.2nd tool Radiographers Practices Checklist. .3rd tool Environmental Safety Checklist. Result: In this study, males represented 94.4% of the sample and 60% of females radiographers had menstrual problems, and 40% had abortion. The results indicated that, 28.9%, 41.7%, 33.3%, 25% and 4.4% complained from easy fatigue, cataract, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, iron deficiency anemia respectively. Personal dosimeter was used by 5.6 % radiographers, 6.7% of them wear intact aprons and all of radiographers didn{u2019}t follow time and distance control. All selected settings didn{u2019}t use radiation warning posters. Also, all settings had the x-ray devices installed in the dedicated rooms and 25% of it had not intact glass window and leaded walls. The results revealed statistically significant differences between some protection practices with some reported data related to work and some health hazards. Conclusion: The study concluded that, radiographers had various health hazards related to work with ionizing radiation. Recommendation: Educational programs about ionizing radiation should be obligatory to all radiographers

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