Abstract

Background: Radiation protection is part of a global approach to managing the risks of exposure to ionizing radiation. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of workers in an environment at risk of irradiation and to describe the radiation protection measures implemented in services using ionizing radiation.
Materials and method: We conducted a cross-sectional study for 3 months from November 22, 2022 to February 22, 2023. It took place in the radiology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and orthopedic surgery departments of hospitals in Dakar. Our study population was all workers exposed to ionizing radiation and on the job at the time of the survey. The study instrument was an anonymous self-administered questionnaire whose variables concerned socio-professional data, collective and individual radiation protection measures and patient radiation protection. Data analysis was obtained using EPI Info version 7 software.
Results: Out of 160 questionnaires distributed, we collected 97, representing a participation rate of 60.63%. The average age was 36.20 years ± 8.66 (extremes of 23 and 62 years) and the sex ratio was 1.38 in favor of men. The average duration of daily exposure was 6 hours (39.19%) and 81.58% concerned imaging services. The main sources of irradiation was conventional radiography (69.07%) followed by CT scanning (55.67%). In our cohort, 50.52% had knowledge of the regulatory texts on radiation protection and 60.82% were aware of the existence of dosimetric monitoring where they work. The most used personal protective equipment is the lead apron (51.55%), the dosimeter (47.42%) and the thyroid cover (13.40%). Workers respected the regulatory distance from the source in 69.79% but 84.54% were not able to describe the action to be taken in the event of an incident or accident.
Conclusion: Workers' knowledge of radiation protection was unsatisfactory and the right attitudes in this area were not always adopted. Strengthening the radiation protection module in the training of this type of personnel is a necessity. The authorities must strengthen radiation protection equipment and ensure compliance with appropriate measures.

Key words: irradiation, physical risks, occupational cancer.