Assessment of Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of Students in Kebbi State Tertiary Institutions Toward Natural Background Ionizing Radiation and Perceived Health Effects

Samaila B; Musa A.S; Maidamma; Garba; I.I; Kalgo; Z.M.

doi:10.56201/rjpst.vol.8.no11.2025.pg12.24

📄 Download Paper

Assessment of Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of Students in Kebbi State Tertiary Institutions Toward Natural Background Ionizing Radiation and Perceived Health Effects

Samaila B, Musa A.S, Maidamma, B, Garba, I.I and Kalgo, Z.M.

Abstract

Natural Background Ionizing Radiation is an unavoidable part of the environment, yet many individuals remain unaware of its sources and potential health implications. Understanding students’ knowledge and attitude is essential, as they represent a key population for promoting radiation safety awareness. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of students in tertiary institutions within Kebbi State toward natural background ionizing radiation (NBIR) and its perceived health effects. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 101 students across seven tertiary institutions. Results revealed that while most respondents had heard of NBIR, detailed understanding of its sources and health implications was generally low. The majority demonstrated positive attitudes toward learning about radiation and supporting related awareness programs. Statistical analysis using chi-square tests showed no significant association between demographic factors and the levels of awareness, knowledge, or attitude (p > 0.05). The findings highlight a knowledge gap among students despite their willingness to improve their understanding. It is therefore recommended that radiation education be incorporated into tertiary curricula and that awareness campaigns be conducted to promote informed attitudes toward environmental radiation safety.

Keywords

Natural background ionizing radiationawarenessknowledgeattitudetertiary

References

Abdullahi, H., Suleiman, A. M. and Sani, A. (2020). Assessment of awareness and knowledge of radiation hazards among university students in Northern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Medical Physics, 9(1): 45–53. Abubakar, A., Musa, S. and Oche, M. (2022). Public understanding and perception of environmental radiation exposure in Nigeria: A review. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, 40(3): 112–121. Akinola, O. J. and Ogunyemi, T. T. (2019). Public perception and awareness of ionizing radiation and its health implications in Southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Health Research, 18(2): 120–127. Aliyu, M. B. and Mohammed, S. (2021). Knowledge, attitude, and perception of radiation exposure among health and non-health students in tertiary institutions. African Journal of Health and Environmental Studies, 12(3): 32–40. Aremu, O. A., Oladimeji, K. M. and Bello, R. A. (2020). Knowledge and perception of natural background radiation among Nigerian university undergraduates. Radiation Science Journal, 3(2): 55-64. Arogunjo, A. M., Olatunji, M. A. and Ojo, M. A. (2019). The importance of radiation education in Nigeria: A case study of tertiary institutions. Nigerian Journal of Science Education, 15(1): 14–23. Bello, A. A., Ibrahim, M. and Yusuf, T. (2021). Assessment of knowledge and risk perception of radiation exposure among science students. West African Journal of Environmental Studies, 11(2): 73–82. Hall, E. J. and Giaccia, A. J. (2019). Radiobiology for the Radiologist (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). (2018). Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards. Vienna: IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3. Jibiri, N. N., Okeyode, I. C. and Oke, A. O. (2020). Evaluation of natural radioactivity and radiological health hazards in soils from Kebbi State, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 220: 106–110. Khan, A., Rehman, F. and Shah, S. A. (2022). Students’ attitudes and awareness regarding radiation safety: An educational intervention study. International Journal of Radiation Research, 20(4): 573–579. National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP). (2019). Ionizing radiation exposure of the population of the United States: Report No. 184. NCRP, Bethesda, MD. Obed, R. I., Ademola, A. K. and Ogundare, F. O. (2010). Natural radioactivity and dose assessment of granitic rocks in parts of northwestern Nigeria. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 142(2–4): 374–380. Okechukwu, I. C., Eze, C. U. and Oji, J. O. (2021). Radiation knowledge and safety practices among Nigerian undergraduates. A cross-sectional study.Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 195(1): 66–72. Oladimeji, K. M. and Yusuf, I. (2020). Assessment of public awareness and risk perception of natural background radiation in Nigeria. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 192(8): 537. Samaila, B., Sagagi, Y. M., Bello, A., Muhammad, S., Imam, A. M., Garba, I. I., … & Muhammad, R. (2022). Dosimetric Study on Natural Background Ionizing Radiation and Impact Assessment on Public Health: A systematic Review in Nigeria. International Journal of Advanced Health Science and Technology, 2(5), 335-346. United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). (2020). Sources, effects and risks of ionizing radiation. United Nations Publications. World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Radiation: Health effects and safety standards. WHO Technical Report Series No. 1042. Geneva: WHO. Samaila, B., and Bello A. (2021) Determination of Radiation Doses Received During Knee Joint X-ray Procedures in Kebbi State, Nigeria, SPR, 2(1), PP. 506-510. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52152/spr/2021.173

Assessment of Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of Students in Kebbi State Tertiary Institutions Toward Natural Background Ionizing Radiation and Perceived Health Effects

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PURE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY