KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES TOWARD RADIATION SAFETY AMONG MEDICAL RADIOLOGY ENGINEERS
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES TOWARD RADIATION SAFETY AMONG MEDICAL RADIOLOGY ENGINEERS

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and occupational exposure to radiation and other risk factors among medical radiology engineers in radiotherapy settings. Given the importance of radiation protection in healthcare, the research assesses the extent of awareness and implementation of safety measures among professionals working in radiology departments. A validated questionnaire, the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Occupational Exposure and Safety in Radiology Departments, was used to collect data from 106 participants across three groups: medical radiology engineers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, and a control group from EU countries. The study evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices using Likert-scale assessments and categorized responses based on established cutoff values. Results revealed that while theoretical knowledge of radiation safety was generally high across all groups, practical implementation remained inadequate, particularly in non-EU countries. Significant differences were observed in educational levels and exposure to occupational hazards, with radiology professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina reporting the highest exposure to ionizing radiation and adverse climate conditions (p = 0.004 and p = 0.044, respectively). A strong correlation was found between poor practice quality and higher exposure to physical hazards (r = 0.282, p = 0.018), highlighting gaps in safety compliance. Attitudes towards radiation safety and protective measures varied, influencing workplace behaviors and adherence to protocols. These findings underscore the necessity for improved standardized training and occupational safety regulations across regions. Strengthening educational programs, enforcing compliance with protective measures, and implementing continuous professional development initiatives are crucial for mitigating occupational risks among medical radiology engineers.

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