Author(s)

Minga Barthelemy Bope Kwete¹, Francy Pembi¹, Kankiesa Nestor Ngoyi¹, Bope Pierre Muanyim², Mukambilwa Docksin Byeka³, Kapia Patrick Milambo², Bushebu Sylvie Mbulu⁴, Lupongu Arthur Munanga⁴, Luzolo Emery Kafinga¹

¹ISTM-Kinshasa/Community Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
²ISTM-Kinshasa/Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
³UPN-Kinshasa/Pedagogy and Didactics of Health Sciences, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
⁴ISTM-Kinshasa/Medical Imaging, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The aim of this research was to assess the knowledge and practices of radiological versus non-radiological health professionals on the optimisation of radiation protection in paediatric and adult radiology in BUKAVU hospitals. To achieve this, we surveyed a convenience sample of 73 health professionals including 23 radiologists working in the hospitals surveyed to assess knowledge and level of implementation of radiation protection principles. Also, physical parameters were taken for the calculation of entry doses in paediatric and adult radiology units for comparison with the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) diagnostic reference levels. After analysis of the data, the following was found: although radiologists have sufficient knowledge of radiation protection standards, technical constraints do not allow them to observe the dose limitation principle recommended by the ICRP. This is why several radiology departments, including those of the HPGRB, the MWANZI clinic and CIRIRI hospital, have proved to be very irradiating for children. However, radiologists and non-radiologists alike do not contribute positively to the optimisation of radiation protection in the diagnostic use of X-rays. Therefore, support in the implementation of radiation protection principles and regular monitoring of the units as well as replacement of non-standard equipment is necessary to promote patient and environmental safety by optimising radiation protection.

Optimisation, Radiation Protection, Knowledge/Practice, Paediatric Radio, Diagnostic Reference

Bope Kwete, M. , Pembi, F. , Ngoyi, K. , Muanyim, B. , Byeka, M. , Milambo, K. , Mbulu, B. , Munanga, L. and Kafinga, L. (2022) Knowledge and Practices of Health Professionals on the Optimization of Radiation Protection in Diagnostic Radiology in Children and Adults in the General Referral Hospitals of Bukavu in South Kivu, DRC. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 10, 97-113. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2022.107008.