Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of Radiographers towards Radiation Protection in Southern Khorasan Province, Iran

Introduction: Nowadays, X-ray radiographic imaging plays an essential role in disease diagnosis and treatment. In addition to benefits, X-rays have harmful effects for both patients and radiographers. Observing radiation protection principles reduces radiation exposure and the probability of radiation risk. Therefore, we sought to assess the knowledge, attitude, and performance of radiographers in this regard. Material and Methods: This descriptive and analytic study was performed in South Khorasan Province in 2017. Data collection was performed by using a questionnaire containing items on knowledge, attitude, and performance. By using the census sampling method, 100 radiographers and senior radiology students were enrolled. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics were used in SPSS, version 20. Results: The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and performance were 61.8±13.8, 67.4±21.5, and 50.7±18.4, respectively. Gender had no significant effect on the radiographers' knowledge, attitude, and performance. The level of education was not significantly related to performance, while it had a significant direct association with knowledge and attitudes of the participants. Conclusion: Considering the knowledge, attitude, and performance scores of the radiographers and their willingness to attend retraining courses, we recommend holding  such courses. It seems that these courses could be very effective in improving the knowledge, attitude, and performance of radiographers towards the principles of radiation protection.