1.1 Introduction
Ionizing radiation refers to energy emitted in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves that has sufficient strength to remove electrons from atoms, thereby creating ions. In the healthcare sector, ionizing radiation is extensively applied for diagnostic imaging, interventional procedures, and cancer treatment, making it an indispensable tool in modern medicine (International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA], 2018).
Radiation safety compliance involves adherence to established principles and guidelines aimed at minimizing occupational exposure to radiation. These principles include justification of procedures, optimization of protection following the “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) concept, and strict observance of dose limits for radiation workers (UNSCEAR, 2020).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The use of ionizing radiation in healthcare has significantly improved disease diagnosis and treatment outcomes, particularly in radiology, interventional imaging, and radiotherapy services. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, ionizing radiation has become an essential component of modern medical practice, contributing to early disease detection and effective therapeutic interventions (IAEA, 2018). However, the routine use of radiation in hospital environments has also increased occupational exposure among healthcare workers, making radiation protection and safety compliance a global public health concern.
Several studies have emphasized the importance of monitoring occupational radiation exposure through personal dosimetry. UNSCEAR reported that continuous exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation over time may result in cumulative health risks, including stochastic effects such as cancer and hereditary disorders, particularly among radiation workers (UNSCEAR, 2020). In response to these risks, wearable radiation dosimeters have been adopted as standard safety tools to track individual dose levels and ensure compliance with established dose limits.
Researchers have further examined the role of wearable radiation dosimeters in promoting safety behavior. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements asserted that personal dosimetry serves not only as a monitoring mechanism but also as a preventive strategy that enhances workers' awareness of radiation exposure and encourages adherence to protective practices such as shielding, distance, and time minimization (NCRP, 2019). Similarly, Vano et al. stated that consistent use of wearable dosimeters contributes to improved safety culture within radiology departments by reinforcing accountability and risk perception among staff.
In the context of healthcare institutions in developing countries, challenges related to radiation safety compliance remain prevalent. A study by Akinlade et al. affirmed that inadequate training, inconsistent use of dosimeters, and weak institutional enforcement of radiation protection policies limit the effectiveness of occupational safety programs in many Nigerian hospitals. On the other hand, effective implementation of personal monitoring systems has been shown to improve compliance when supported by management commitment and continuous education.
Akinlade et al. (2018) reported that healthcare workers equipped with personal dosimeters exhibited greater adherence to safety protocols, such as consistent use of protective equipment and reduced time near radiation sources. Ciraj-Bjelac et al. (2010) stated that combining dosimeter feedback with training programs significantly improves compliance, affirming that real-time awareness of exposure motivates safer practices. Martin et al. (2013) contended that electronic dosimeters, by providing immediate alerts when exposure thresholds are reached, reinforce protective behaviors and foster a culture of accountability within clinical settings. At the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, radiation-based procedures are routinely performed across multiple departments, exposing healthcare workers to occupational radiation hazards. This study is set against the backdrop of the critical need to enhance occupational safety, improve compliance with radiation protection standards, and investigate the role of wearable radiation dosimeters in promoting a culture of safety among healthcare workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that radiation exposure is an inherent risk in healthcare settings where diagnostic and therapeutic procedures involving ionizing radiation are routinely performed. Healthcare workers, including radiologists, radiographers, and nuclear medicine technicians, are at risk of cumulative exposure, which is associated with long-term health consequences such as cancer, and cataracts (Hall & Giaccia, 2012).
Additionally, the mere availability of wearable radiation dosimeters does not automatically translate into improved safety behavior. Factors such as organizational safety culture, training, supervision, and workers' perception of radiation risk play a critical role in determining whether dosimeter use leads to meaningful compliance with radiation protection practices.
Furthermore, organizational factors such as hospital policies, availability of protective equipment, and staff training also influence compliance, creating variability in adherence to radiation safety standards. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to investigate the impact of wearable radiation dosimeters on safety compliance among healthcare workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the impact of wearable radiation dosimeters on the safety compliance of healthcare workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the level of adherence to radiation safety protocols among healthcare workers using wearable radiation dosimeters.
- To examine the effectiveness of wearable radiation dosimeters in monitoring occupational radiation exposure.
- To identify the challenges and limitations associated with the use of wearable radiation dosimeters in UBTH.
- To evaluate the relationship between wearable dosimeter usage and the overall safety culture within radiation-prone departments.
- To provide recommendations for improving safety compliance and occupational radiation protection in the hospital.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the level of adherence to radiation safety protocols among healthcare workers using wearable dosimeters at UBTH?
- How effective are wearable radiation dosimeters in monitoring occupational radiation exposure?
- What challenges are associated with the use of wearable radiation dosimeters in UBTH?
- What is the relationship between wearable dosimeter usage and the overall safety culture within radiation-prone departments?
- What measures can be implemented to improve safety compliance and occupational radiation protection in the hospital?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- Null Hypothesis (H0): The use of wearable radiation dosimeters has no significant impact on safety compliance among healthcare workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): The use of wearable radiation dosimeters has a significant positive impact on safety compliance among healthcare workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the outcome of this research will assist hospital management and administrators in evaluating existing radiation safety programs and identifying areas that require improvement. Also, the study will support informed decision-making on policy formulation, staff supervision, and resource allocation aimed at strengthening occupational radiation protection practices.
Furthermore, the findings will help hospital management improve occupational safety practices, guide regulatory bodies in policy formulation, and contribute to academic knowledge in radiation protection. In addition, the research will benefit healthcare workers by accentuating the role of wearable radiation dosimeters in increasing awareness of individual radiation exposure and encouraging safer work behaviors.
Lastly, the study will serve as a foundation for future research on occupational radiation protection and safety culture in medical institutions.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the impact of wearable radiation dosimeters on safety compliance among healthcare workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, located in Edo State, Nigeria. It covers departments where ionizing radiation is routinely used, including radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy.
The research evaluates both the behavioral and institutional aspects of safety compliance, including dosimeter usage, adherence to safety protocols, and challenges affecting effective radiation protection.
1.9 Limitations of the study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Wearable Radiation Dosimeter: A personal device worn by healthcare workers to measure and record cumulative radiation exposure over time. According to the IAEA (2018), wearable dosimeters are essential tools in occupational radiation protection as they provide objective data to ensure adherence to safety limits.
Safety Compliance: The act of adhering to established occupational safety and radiation protection guidelines. UNSCEAR (2020) stated that safety compliance is critical in preventing excessive radiation exposure and promoting a culture of safety in healthcare environments.
Radiation Exposure: The amount of ionizing radiation absorbed by the body. NCRP (2019) affirmed that monitoring exposure levels is necessary to prevent stochastic and deterministic health effects among healthcare workers.
Occupational Hazard: Any condition or practice in the workplace that has the potential to cause harm. In the context of radiation, it refers to the risk of long-term health consequences due to cumulative exposure (Vañó et al., 2017).
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