Abstract
Background: In every nuclear medicine center, there are places where people are exposed to more radiation than in other areas. To reduce the radiation exposure of employees and patients referring to these centers, it is necessary to observe special precautions to reduce the amount of dose received by different people, especially in the case of women of reproductive age. This study aimed to educate patients and companions to reduce the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
Methods: In this study, a questionnaire was used as the measurement tool. It contained demographic information and questions related to the evaluation of the quality of education, the level of awareness of patients and their companions, and also their level of satisfaction with the educational facilities of the center. The sample size included 193 patients who had been referred to the Gamma Scan department of Farshchian hospital. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 19 software. For validity and reliability, the obtained information was analyzed with the help of mean, frequency, and percentage for qualitative variables.
Results: The results of this study showed no significant correlation between knowledge level and gender (P=0.178). However, there was a direct relationship between the two variables of knowledge and level of education which is statistically significant (P=0.001).
Conclusion: Measurements and statistical studies showed that in the nuclear medicine department of Farshchian Heart Hospital in Hamedan, the level of awareness of patients regarding radiation protection is weak and needs to be improved.