Radiation safety behavior model for the radiological science departments of Universities in Korea

OBJECTIVES: This study was to employ the major variables relating to radiation safety that were derived using the Haddon Matrix to develop a radiation safety behavior model based on social cognitive theory that can be applied to improve the radiation safety behaviors of professors and students in radiological science departments. METHODS: The safety levels of students and professor in radiological science departments were analyzed in order to design a radiation safety behavior management model based on the Haddon Matrix and social cognitive theory, which can be used to enhance radiation safety strategically. The survey was administered on April 23, 2015, to professor and students of 45 universities around South Korea with established radiological science departments, and the investigation lasted for 30 days. RESULTS: When multiple linear regression analysis was conducted taking the radiation safety behaviors of the students in the radiological science departments as the dependent variables, it was found that these behaviors were affected by self-efficacy, knowledge of the materials, and attitudes towards the materials, in order of greatest to least influence. CONCLUSION: Since the general view on radiation safety management in universities is also changing to a maximalist attitude, the level of safety management must be increased accordingly.