Evaluation of Personnel Radiation Monitoring in Selected Hospitals in South – South and South – East Region of Nigeria

Background: The use of radiation in hospitals is of great benefit to patients. However scattered radiation that is associated with its use is of great risk to staff and the general public that come in contact with it. The need, therefore, arises that staff be monitored to ensure that they are not exposed to radiation levels higher than the allowed safety limits.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate personnel radiation monitoring and availability of personal protective equipment in some tertiary hospitals in South-South and South – East of Nigeria to ensure that they comply with international regulations.

Methods: A survey that targeted the staff of the radiology department of five selected hospitals in South-South and South – East Region of Nigeria was conducted. The data collection instrument was a twenty – two item semi-structured self – completion questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used to select the hospitals and a total of 79 staff were sampled. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010.

Results: The percentage of personnel monitored ranged between 45% and 89%. Availability of five personal protective equipment (PPEs) was considered: lead apron, gonad shield, thyroid shield, gloves and glasses. The lead apron was readily available in all the hospitals, 90% and above in all the hospitals, while the gonad shield was almost nonexistent, 11% and below. The knowledge of basic definitions and principles of radiation safety was a little above average. Dosimetric records were not considered important during staff recruitment.

Conclusion: Radiation monitoring of staff of the five selected hospitals was below the expected 100% required by international standards. Personal protective equipment required were not sufficiently available. Therefore the management of the hospitals should ensure that all necessary equipment is available to achieve occupational radiation safety.