KNOWLEDGE OF RADIATION THERAPY: PRINCIPLES, CLINICAL APPLICATIONS, AND RADIATION SAFETY AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN CHITWAN, NEPAL

Abstract

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation such as X-rays, protons, or gamma rays to destroy or shrink tumor cells. Nurses and nursing students play an important role in providing safe care to patients receiving radiation therapy; therefore, adequate knowledge is essential to minimize risks and enhance quality care. The objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge regarding radiation therapy among BNS oncology nursing students at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Nursing College. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 135 nursing students Census method was used. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. Descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential (Chi-square) statistics were calculated. Findings of the study revealed that the respondents’ age ranged from 20 to 35 years with a mean and standard deviation 25.15 ± 2.99. Most of the respondents were in the age group 23–27 years and unmarried 64.4%. More than three quarters (78.5%) of the respondents had good level of knowledge regarding radiation therapy followed by moderate knowledge (15.6%) and poor knowledge (5.9%). Knowledge was significantly associated with age and academic year (p>0.05%) but not with marital status, religion, or ethnicity. This study concludes that although the majority of nursing students had good knowledge regarding radiation therapy, a portion still demonstrated inadequate understanding. Continuous education, clinical exposure, and inclusion of radiation therapy in the nursing curriculum might help to enhance to strengthen competency and ensure safe nursing practice in oncology setting.