Comparative analysis of radiation protection awareness among medical students and practicing physicians

   The problem of insufficient awareness among healthcare workers about the effects of ionizing radiation and radiation protection methods remains relevant worldwide, as knowledge deficits may lead to unjustified referrals for procedures, increased radiation risks for patients, and heightened anxiety.

   The aim of this study was a comparative analysis of the level of awareness among medical students and practicing physicians regarding the effects of ionizing radiation on human health and the principles of radiation protection, based on data from national and international publications.

   Materials and Methods: A systematic review and qualitative analysis of data from sociological surveys and scientific articles published between 2009 and 2024 in Russia, Poland, Norway, India, Pakistan, Ireland, Romania, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand was conducted; a total of 33 sources were analyzed.

   Results and Ddiscussion: Medical students and physicians in most countries demonstrate fragmented knowledge of dosimetry, biological effects of radiation, and protection methods, while targeted additional training significantly improves the level of awareness and reduces anxiety, whereas length of service alone does not constitute a factor in improving knowledge.

   Conclusion: The practical significance of the work lies in substantiating the need to introduce specialized courses into the core educational programs of medical universities and to organize systematic postgraduate training on radiation safety; a promising direction is the development of differentiated educational approaches for various categories of medical personnel.

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