Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Nurses in a Specialist Hospital towards Ionizing Radiation at Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

The effect of ionizing radiation on occupational workers is increasing at an alarming rate due to inadequate knowledge and attitude of workers. Despite this, little research has been done on the knowledge and attitude of Nigerian nurses towards radiation protection and practice. In this study, the knowledge and attitude of Nurses towards Ionizing radiation was carried out at Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, using a self-structured questionnaire. The systematic sampling technique was used to collect 30 usable responses, corresponding to 75 percent response rate that was used for the analysis. The result shows that, even though the nurses are not well educated and have just an average knowledge of radiation and its effects, they are found to show a positive (right) attitude towards ionizing radiation during theatre and ward radiography. Educational level and years of experience were found to have a significant impact on their attitude towards radiation. However, their low level of education could prove fatal if proper measures are not in place. Hospital management should embark on educational intervention programs, seminars and symposium for the nurses to improve their professional skills and knowledge for good radiation protection practices.