Radiation safety knowledge and attitudes among female medical students at college of health sciences, Makerere University: A cross-sectional study.  

Authors

  • Patience Neumbe Ernest Cook University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Imaging, Albert Cook Road, kampala Author
  • Richard Malumba Ernest Cook University, Department of Research, Albert Cook Road, kampala Author
  • Victoria Nakalanzi 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/s7x42266

Keywords:

Radiation Protection, Radiation safety, Female Medical Students, Ionizing Radiation, Knowledge Assessment, Makerere University, Occupation Exposure

Abstract

Background:

 Ionizing radiation is essential in modern medical practice but carries risks such as cancer and other stochastic effects when used inappropriately. Although international bodies like the ICRP emphasize structured radiation protection (RP) training, several studies report persistent knowledge gaps among healthcare workers (HCWs) and students. Limited research has explored RP knowledge among female medical trainees, despite their heightened biological susceptibility to radiation. 

Objective:

This study assessed RP knowledge and attitudes among undergraduate female medical students at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.

Methods:

A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 208 female undergraduate students. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered electronic questionnaire distributed via KoboToolbox. The tool assessed demographic characteristics, RP knowledge, and attitudes. Knowledge scores were categorized based on Bloom’s cut-off points, while attitudes were rated on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were performed using STATA version 16.

Results:

 Most participants (89.9%) were aged 19–24 years, with a mean age of 22.4 years. Overall, 50% demonstrated moderate RP knowledge, 44.23% had low knowledge, and only 5.77% scored within the high-knowledge range. Significant gaps were noted in understanding age- and sex-related radiosensitivity, key RP principles, and the identification of professionals most likely to be exposed. Despite these gaps, attitudes toward radiation safety were positive, with an overall mean score of 4.25. Most participants acknowledged the importance of RP protocols and expressed willingness to engage in radiation safety programs.

Conclusion:

 Although female medical students showed strong positive attitudes toward radiation protection, substantial knowledge deficits persist. Strengthening RP training through integrated curricula, practical demonstrations, and continuous educational programs is essential to enhance preparedness for safe clinical practice and minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.

Recommendation:

 RP training should be integrated across all relevant undergraduate programs and strengthened with practical hands-on demonstrations.

Author Biographies

  • Patience Neumbe, 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 Makerere University College of Health Sciences, specializing in medical imaging and radiation protection. She is committed to promoting safe imaging practices and enhancing awareness of radiation safety in healthcare settings.

  • 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.

  • Victoria Nakalanzi, Ernest Cook University, Department of 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.

  • 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

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Copyright (c) 2026 Patience Neumbe, Richard Malumba, Victoria Nakalanzi, Alen Musisi (Author)

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

How to Cite

NEUMBE, P., Malumba, R., Nakalanzi, V., & Musisi, A. (2026). Radiation safety knowledge and attitudes among female medical students at college of health sciences, Makerere University: A cross-sectional study.  . Journal of Imaging Science for Diagnosis, 3(3), 9. https://doi.org/10.51168/s7x42266

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