Radiation has become an indispensable component of modern healthcare and is extensively used in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures. Diagnostic techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, and therapeutic modalities like radiotherapy have significantly improved patient care. However, exposure to ionizing radiation carries potential risks, including cellular damage, tissue injury, genetic mutations, and increased chances of malignancy. Healthcare workers, including nurses, are frequently involved in radiation-related procedures and must possess adequate knowledge regarding radiation hazards and preventive measures. Nursing students, who are future healthcare providers, may have limited knowledge and clinical exposure related to radiation safety during their early years of education. Therefore, structured educational interventions are necessary to enhance their awareness and encourage safe practices. Objectives 1. To assess the pre-test knowledge regarding radiation safety and precautions among first-semester B.Sc. Nursing students. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of a planned teaching programme on knowledge regarding radiation safety and precautions among first-semester B.Sc. Nursing students. 3. To compare the pre-test and post-test knowledge scores of the students. Methods A quantitative research approach with a pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. The study was conducted among 50 first-semester B.Sc. Nursing students selected by purposive sampling. A structured knowledge questionnaire containing demographic variables and 30 multiple-choice questions related to radiation safety and precautions was used for data collection. A pre-test was administered, followed by a planned teaching programme. The post-test was conducted after seven days. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test. Results The pre-test findings revealed that 60% of students had good knowledge, 26% had very good knowledge, and 8% had excellent knowledge regarding radiation safety. Following the planned teaching programme, 70% of students attained very good knowledge and 10% achieved excellent knowledge. The mean pre-test knowledge score was 18.86 ± 3.66, which increased to 21.38 ± 3.66 in the post-test. The mean difference was 2.52, and the paired t-test value was 6.318 at 49 degrees of freedom, indicating a statistically significant improvement at p < 0.05. Conclusion The planned teaching programme was effective in improving the knowledge of first-semester B.Sc. Nursing students regarding radiation safety and precautions. Incorporating regular radiation safety education into nursing curricula can promote safer clinical practices. Keywords Radiation safety, radiation protection, planned teaching programme, nursing students, ALARA principle, knowledge assessment.
Sarika et al. (Thu,) studied this question.