ABSTRACT
Children undergoing diagnostic imaging are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of
ionizing radiation due to their higher radiosensitivity and longer life expectancy. Ensuring
adequate awareness and compliance with radiation protection principles is therefore critical in
pediatric radiology. This study evaluated the awareness and practice of radiation protection
among radiology professionals in selected healthcare facilities across South West Nigeria. A
cross-sectional survey was conducted among 68 respondents drawn from teaching hospitals,
private hospitals, and general hospitals. Data were collected through structured questionnaires
and analyzed descriptively.
Findings revealed that most respondents (60.3%) were from teaching hospitals and the majority
(55.9%) reported working daily with pediatric patients. Respondents were predominantly young
professionals, with 48.5% aged 25–34 years, and 70.6% holding a bachelor’s degree. Awareness
levels were generally high: 85% of respondents were very familiar with the ALARA principle
and 88.2% acknowledged children’s specific vulnerability to radiation. However, gaps were
observed in knowledge and application. While 69.1% had received formal training, nearly one-
third had not, and only 45.6% consistently consulted pediatric radiation protection guidelines.
Similarly, though 77.9% considered patient-specific factors such as age and weight, only 55.9%
reported always using lead aprons, and 41.2% lacked access to pediatric-specific imaging
equipment.
Attitudes toward radiation safety were largely positive, with 90.2% considering it a high priority
and 79.3% recognizing its role in improving patient care. Nonetheless, 72.1% of respondents
reported that current training was inadequate, and more than half identified challenges in
implementing protection measures. Barriers included insufficient resources, inconsistent
departmental protocols, and limited quality assurance programs.
In conclusion, while awareness of pediatric radiation protection is high among professionals in
South-West Nigeria, significant gaps exist in training, compliance, and institutional support. To
optimize protection, the study recommends strengthening continuous professional development,
enforcing regular protocol review, improving access to pediatric-specific equipment, and
enhancing quality assurance programs. Addressing these challenges will promote safer
diagnostic practices and better safeguard pediatric patients from unnecessary radiation risks.
