Knowledge, attitude, and practices of final-year diagnostic radiography students on setting exposure factors, at the University of Technology, in the eThekwini District

Abstract

Background: This study focused on the ability of diagnostic radiography students to set accurate imaging exposure factors and their knowledge, attitude and practice of the factors that influence these imaging parameters. The setting of imaging exposure factors refer to exposure technique while exposure factors refer to the kilovoltage and milliamperes that are required to produce a radiographic image. The importance of understanding the relationship between these factors permits radiographers to maintain optimal image quality whilst keeping the radiation dose to the patient as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of final-year diagnostic radiography students in terms of setting exposure factors. Methodology: The type of study conducted was a quantitative cross-sectional survey of final-year diagnostic radiography students at the University of technology in Kwa-Zulu Natal regarding the application of factors that affect radiation dose and image quality. The sampling technique selected for this study was probability stratified sampling. Total sampling was used due to the small number of final-year students. Results: Various statistical tests such as Descriptive statistics, the Analysis Of Variance Model, Binomial test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, One-sample t-test, Cronbach alpha and Independent samples t-test were adopted to analyse the data yielded by the collection tool. There were no significant differences in demographics. The mean value for knowledge was 67.71%. Attitude and practice were moderately correlated with p=0.004 and r=-0.474. This correlation was measured using Person’s correlation coefficient test. The study demonstrated that despite having adequate knowledge of imaging exposures and a positive attitude, students did not always practice accurately. Conclusion: This study investigated final-year diagnostic radiography students’ competence in their final year and focused on their readiness for community service in terms of their knowledge, attitude and practice of imaging exposure factors. The overall benefit of this study highlighted the final-year diagnostic radiography students’ ability to set correct exposure factors thus identifying any weaknesses that will prevent them from practicing radiography correctly. Additional support from training institutions and universities, in the areas of weakness would provide students with the necessary tools to practise radiography during their community service without radiating their patients unnecessarily.