Assessment of radiation protection and awareness level among radiation workers and members of the public in Afghanistan-a pilot study

• Published in: Journal of radiological protection Vol. 39; no. 3; pp. N1 - N7
• Main Authors: Tanha, Mohammad R, Khalid, Fazal Rahman, Hoeschen, Christoph
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England IOP Publishing 01.09.2019
• Subjects: AAEHC; public awareness; radiation in medicine; radiation protection; regulatory control
• ISSN: 0952-4746; 1361-6498
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ab2204

In this study, the level of radiation protection and awareness among radiation workers and members of the public in Afghanistan is assessed using two different survey mechanisms. The onsite survey conducted by the regulatory authorities covered 472 facilities while the online survey covering 1200 responses was conducted via the Survey Monkey online survey platform. Both the onsite and the online surveys show that more than 70% of radiation workers have insufficient knowledge of radiation safety and protection rules and regulations while more than 70% of the public just heard about radiation from one source or another. More than 50% of those members of the public, who have been through some sort of medical imaging using radiation were not given any instruction about the radiation hazards. The study is concluded with recommendations to the authorities for raising the knowledge of the radiation workers and general public awareness through launching regular radiation safety and protection training, TV spots and other means of mass media.