The Extent and Awareness of Medical Staff about the Effects of Radiation on Human Health

• Salwa Muftah Eljamay

  College of Medical Technology, Public Health Department, Derna, Libya

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2834-8028

• Adnan A Frag Elgadaime

  2Department of Diagnostic and Threptic Radiation, College of Medical Technology, Derna, Libya

  Author

This study investigates the knowledge and perceptions of radiation among residents of Derna, Libya, through a global questionnaire distributed from August 15 to December 4, 2024. A total of 216 respondents participated, providing demographic data and responses to 11 knowledge-related questions. The findings reveal a slight majority of female respondents, with a significant concentration in the 36-45 age range and a predominance of higher educational attainment. While there is a reasonable understanding of radiation effects and health risks, notable gaps exist regarding awareness of radiation sources, types, and protective measures. For instance, only 39.8% of participants recognized the sources of radiation, and 42.6% were aware of how to protect themselves from harmful exposure. the strongest negative correlation (R = -0.252, P = 0.000) indicates that higher education levels are associated with a greater understanding of the concept of useful radiation. Statistical Significance:  Several questions demonstrate statistically significant findings (P < 0.05), particularly concerning knowledge about radiation sources (P = 0.049), types of radiation (P = 0.013), awareness of risks associated with radiation (P = 0.022), and knowledge of protective measures (P = 0.003). Correlation analysis indicated a complex relationship between education level and knowledge of radiation, with significant negative correlations in several areas. These results highlight the necessity for targeted educational initiatives to enhance public understanding of radiation, particularly focusing on sources and safety measures, to better inform and protect the community from potential risks associated with radiation exposure.

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Copyright (c) 2025 Salwa Muftah Eljamay, Adnan A Frag Elgadaime (Author)

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