Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Pregnant radiographers require more stringent occupational safety monitoring through
fetal dosimetry because of the sensitivity of their fetuses’ cells to radiation. This study aims to describe
fetal dosimetry among pregnant radiographers as regards access, usage, and training.
METHODS : Quantitative data were collected using an electronic national survey. The study collected 89
responses from pregnant and previously pregnant radiographers in South Africa between January 2021
and April 2021.
FINDINGS : The responses revealed that 53.9% (n ¼ 48) of participants had never been issued with a fetal
dosimeter. This situation was mostly attributed to the employer and financial constraints (n ¼ 29). Of
those with access to fetal dosimeters, 46.1% (n ¼ 41), only 56% (n ¼ 28) indicated that they always wore
it. An alarming 52% (n ¼ 26) never consistently recorded fetal doses.
DISCUSSION : Most pregnant South African radiographers do not have access to fetal dosimeters.Many of them
remain noncompliant, which might be attributed to a lack of training and knowledge about the device.
