RADIATION PROTECTION

Modern technologies that emit radiation are being produced and used in medical, industrial and environmental sectors; this emphasizes the importance of public awareness and knowledge of radiation protection. Awareness is important, to minimize its risks to health and foster a culture of safety. Knowledge and Understanding is likewise important, to prevent unnecessary anxiety and
unsafe practices. Non-medical students in the University are future professionals and leaders, Therefore they represent a key demographic whose willingness to listen and learn can significantly influence public health outcomes. The objective of this research was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of radiation protection among non-medical students in the
University of Benin, Benin city, Nigeria. Data for this research were collected through an online questionnaire from a total of 395
respondents. The data of the research work was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi- Square tests. The results show that 88.9% of students are aware of devices that emit radiation but only 8.1% have sufficient knowledge of the main principles of radiation protection. It was found out that the knowledge and awareness of students are significantly affected by their faculty and level of study. Both Awareness and knowledge are not solely dependent on general education but influenced by one’s academic discipline and demographic factors.

Pediatric patients are particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation, making dose optimization and radiation protection essential during diagnostic imaging. This study assessed entrance skin doses (ESD) and radiation protection practices in pediatric X-ray examinations at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Using a cross-sectional observational design, 164 pediatric patients aged 0-14 years undergoing routine X-ray examinations were observed between July and August 2025. Entrance skin doses were calculated using the indirect method based on exposure parameters and tube output specifications. Radiation protection practices were assessed using a structured checklist covering pediatric technical factors, beam collimation, patient positioning, protocols, beam quality, protective shielding, and exposure optimization. Mean ESDs exceeded international diagnostic reference levels across all examinations: chest X- rays (0.19 ± 0.08 mGy, 90% above reference), abdominal X-rays (0.58 ± 0.21 mGy, 93% above reference), skull X-rays (0.38 ± 0.13 mGy, 90% above reference), and limb X-rays (0.14 ± 0.06 mGy, 40% above reference). Only 14% of examinations achieved recommended dose levels. Overall radiation protection compliance was moderate at 63.9%, with only 11% demonstrating excellent practices. Critical deficiencies included protective shielding (51.7% compliance), weight-based technique selection (42.7%), and thyroid shielding (35.4%). A significant negative correlation existed between protection scores and entrance skin doses (r = -0.512, p = 0.001). The study concludes that pediatric X-ray doses at UBTH consistently exceed international standards, requiring urgent optimization interventions including establishing diagnostic reference levels, implementing standardized protocols, enhancing shielding practices, and conducting regular dose audits.