Knowledge of occupational hazards and practice of occupational safety among diagnostic radiographers in university of port Harcourt teaching hospital, rivers state

Health workers particularly radiographers have continuously faced with various occupational hazards due to the occupational environment that is associated with unsafe working conditions and lack of protective equipment. This study aimed to explore knowledge of occupational hazards and practice of occupational safety among diagnostic radiographers in university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital, Rivers state. The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data from 226 radiographers. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results shows good knowledge occupational hazards (72.8%); and good practice of occupational safety (68.5%). Regarding safety practices, radiographers exhibited moderate radiation protection practices (71.2%), with most portraying good practices. No significant gender or age differences were found in practices. Experience did not affect practices significantly. Radiographers with specialized training displayed better practices. The study concluded that radiographers had appreciably high knowledge and moderate safety practices. The study recommended continuing education programs, monitoring of practices, adequate protective facilities, and enhanced curriculum on radiation safety are required to address knowledge and practice gaps among radiographers in Nigeria.