Awareness of radiation safety issues among medical students
Abstract
Sources of ionizing radiation are widely used in all spheres of human activity, including health care. In case of non-accordance with the requirements of sanitary legislation and low safety culture they can be dangerous for the society and the stuff. Competencies in the field of radiation impact on humans and the environment, ensuring radiation safety, as well as timely diagnosis of pathology associated with sources of ionizing radiation, prescription of relevant therapy are laid in the process of education in higher educational institutions. The study of students’ awareness of radiation safety issues allows to develop measures to improve the efficiency of the educational process and, as a result, to increase the competence of students as future specialists, including those involved in informing the population and increasing their level of environmental literacy. The aim of this work was to assess the level of knowledge about ionizing radiation and perception of radiation risk. The study was carried out on the basis of St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University. A total of 301 people were interviewed. The study revealed a high level of students’ interest in radiation topics. Students demonstrated an average level of knowledge about radiation safety and a relatively low level of knowledge on the profile issue of ionizing radiation application in health care. Ionizing radiation is not perceived by students as a risk factor dangerous for health, while the respondents tend to exaggerate the negative consequences of major radiation accidents. Students have ambiguous attitudes towards nuclear power and are not ready to unequivocally support it or insist on its reduction. The obtained research results indicate the necessity to make adjustments in the programs of students’ education at profile cycles.
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