Knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection among medical imaging students at Ernest Cook University: A cross-sectional study.

Authors

  • Grace Nakubulwa Ernest Cook University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Imaging, Albert Cook Road, kampala Author
  • Victoria Nakalanzi Ernest Cook University, Department Research, Albert Cook Road, kampala Author
  • Richard Malumba Ernest Cook University, Department of Research, Albert Cook Road, kampala Author
  • Alen Musisi Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/1ngsjj93

Keywords:

Radiation Protection, Radiation safety, Radiation Hazards, Medical Imaging Students, Ionizing Radiation, Knowledge Assessment, Ernest Cook University

Abstract

Background:

Radiation protection (RP) is vital in radiographic practice to safeguard patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Medical imaging students are frequently exposed to radiological environments during their training; therefore, their knowledge and attitudes toward RP are critical for promoting safe practice. 

Objective:

This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes toward RP among medical imaging students at Ernest Cook University (ECU) in Uganda.

Methods:

 A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 224 medical imaging students from September to December 2024. Consecutive sampling was used. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from validated RP tools. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics, institutional factors, RP knowledge, and attitudes. Knowledge levels were categorized using Bloom’s cut-off points, while attitudes were assessed on a five-point Likert scale. Chi-square tests examined associations between demographic variables and knowledge levels, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results:

 More than half of the participants were female (52.7%), and most were second-year students (61.6%). Knowledge levels were generally low, with 70.98% scoring below 60% and only 5.8% achieving high knowledge (>80%). Major gaps were noted in identifying highly radiosensitive organs, annual dose limits, and stochastic effects. The academic year was significantly associated with knowledge level (p = 0.015). In contrast, attitudes were strongly positive, with an overall mean attitude score of 4.41. Participants strongly agreed on the importance of lead apron use, restricting access to radiation areas, adhering to safety policies, and consistently wearing dose monitors.

Conclusion:

 Despite positive attitudes, students demonstrated low RP knowledge with notable gaps in essential safety concepts. 

Recommendation:

 Strengthening RP training through enhanced curricula, practical demonstrations, and regular CME sessions is recommended.

Author Biographies

  • Grace Nakubulwa, Ernest Cook University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Imaging, Albert Cook Road, kampala

    is a Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging graduate from Ernest Cook University, specializing in medical imaging and radiation protection practices. She is passionate about promoting safe diagnostic imaging and enhancing radiation safety for both patients and healthcare workers.

  • Victoria Nakalanzi, Ernest Cook University, Department Research, Albert Cook Road, kampala

    is a Research and Grants Officer at the Ernest Cook University in Kampala, Uganda. Her research interests encompass diagnostic imaging, radiation protection, and the application of medical imaging in resource-limited settings. She has contributed to studies on the appropriateness of computerized tomography utilization among children and young patients in Uganda. Her work aims to enhance the quality and safety of medical imaging practices in Uganda.

  • Richard Malumba, Ernest Cook University, Department of Research, Albert Cook Road, kampala

    serves as Head of the Research Department at the Ernest Cook University in Mengo, Kampala, Uganda. He has co-authored numerous studies focused on imaging appropriateness and radiological quality assurance in low-resource settings. His work encompasses advancing imaging safety protocols, optimizing modality selection, and promoting evidence-based diagnostic imaging practices in Uganda and the region.

  • Alen Musisi, Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute

    is a lecturer and clinical medical physicist at the Ernest Cook University in Mengo, Kampala, Uganda (Department of Applied Sciences). He holds an MSc in Medical Physics, and his areas of expertise include dosimetry, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of diagnostic imaging equipment, radiation protection, treatment planning, and optimizing medical imaging in resource-limited settings.

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Published

2026-03-14

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): March 2026 Issue

Section

Section of peer-reviewed articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Grace Nakubulwa, Victoria Nakalanzi, Richard Malumba, Alen Musisi (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

NAKUBULWA, G., Nakalanzi, V., Malumba, R., & Musisi, A. (2026). Knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection among medical imaging students at Ernest Cook University: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Imaging Science for Diagnosis, 3(3), 14. https://doi.org/10.51168/1ngsjj93

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