[Assessment of the practices and knowledge among cardiologists regarding radiation protection in Tunisia].

Évaluation des pratiques et connaissances en radioprotection des cardiologues en Tunisie.

Publisher: African Field Epidemiology Network Country of Publication: Uganda NLM ID: 101517926 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1937-8688 (Electronic) NLM ISO Abbreviation: Pan Afr Med J Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Kampala, Uganda : African Field Epidemiology Network

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Cardiologists/*statistics & numerical data ; Occupational Exposure/*prevention & control ; Radiation Protection/*methods; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Personal Protective Equipment/statistics & numerical data ; Sex Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tunisia

Introduction: interventional cardiology procedures have become complex and expensive in time with a higher risk of exposure to ionizing radiations. The purpose of our study was to assess radiation protection knowledge and practices among Tunisian cardiologists exposed to X-rays.
Methods: we conducted a descriptive, analytical study in October 2019. An anonymous survey on the knowledge and practices regarding radiation protection was sent to all Tunisian cardiologists exposed to X-rays.
Results: among 126 cardiologists exposed to X-rays and having received the survey, 58 physicians responded to the survey (48%), with a male predominance (72%, n=42). Thirty-eight physicians (65%) were public sector workers. Average years of working experience were 12.02 years (SD 6.88 years). Half of doctors had a knowledge score of less than 50%. The average practice score was 43.83 (SD 13.95%). Wearing a lead apron, thyroid shield, dosimeter, lead glasses, lead cap accounted for 100% (n=58), 86.2% (n=50), 30.7% (n=18), 12.1% (n=7) and 1.7% (n=1) respectively. There was no correlation between scores and doctor's age as well as the length of working experience. There was no statistical differences between knowledge scores of males and females (p=0.06) or between public sector and private sector (p=0.9). Practice score was significantly higher among men (0.007) and interventional cardiologists compared to rhythmologists and pediatric cardiologists (p<0.001).
Conclusion: the level of knowledge and practices among Tunisian cardiologists regarding radiation protection is generally insufficient. Then, health authorities should implement regular training programs.
Competing Interests: Les auteurs ne déclarent aucun conflit d´intérêts.
(Copyright: Rania Hammami et al.)

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Keywords: Ionizing radiations; interventional cardiology; knowledge; survey

Date Created: 20210628 Date Completed: 20210706 Latest Revision: 20220424

20240628

PMC8197064

10.11604/pamj.2021.38.300.24254

34178219