Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a Predictor of Radiologic Technologists' Use of Patient Radiation Protection Best Practices: a Regional Study
type: CreativeWork
description: Problem. A growing concern exists that patients are receiving an increase in radiation exposure while undergoing medical imaging exams. According to a March 2009 report by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), the U.S. population's total exposure to ionizing radiation has nearly doubled over the past two decades. With the introduction of new digital radiology equipment, patient dose is on the rise. Possible reasons for a radiologic technologist's behavior include: influence by availability or lack of equipment, policies, social pressure, attitudes, and a safety culture. Little research has been done in this area, specifically with applying a theoretical framework to a study. This study attempts to fill a gap to understand the attitudes, social pressures, behavioral control issues, impact of new digital technology, and the demographic factors that influence the demonstration of patient radiation protection best practices in order to reduce patient radiation exposure during radiography exams. Method. This study used ex post factor research design. The most sophisticated type of ex post facto research design was used, which is ex post facto with hypotheses and controls for viable alternative explanations of research outcomes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the data that were gathered using descriptive statistics of demographic factors of the study sample: scale descriptives for reliability of the variables and modified variables in the study; power analysis; correlations and analysis of variance between the components of Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (intentions, past behaviors, attitudes, social pressures/norms, perceived behavioral control); and multiple regression analysis for controlling for demographics and the constructs of the theory of planned behavior. The development of an 80-item quantitative questionnaire and the design of this study were based on Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior. The purpose of the study was to…
abstract: Problem. A growing concern exists that patients are receiving an increase in radiation exposure while undergoing medical imaging exams. According to a March 2009 report by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), the U.S. population's total exposure to ionizing radiation has nearly doubled over the past two decades. With the introduction of new digital radiology equipment, patient dose is on the rise. Possible reasons for a radiologic technologist's behavior include: influence by availability or lack of equipment, policies, social pressure, attitudes, and a safety culture. Little research has been done in this area, specifically with applying a theoretical framework to a study. This study attempts to fill a gap to understand the attitudes, social pressures, behavioral control issues, impact of new digital technology, and the demographic factors that influence the demonstration of patient radiation protection best practices in order to reduce patient radiation exposure during radiography exams. Method. This study used ex post factor research design. The most sophisticated type of ex post facto research design was used, which is ex post facto with hypotheses and controls for viable alternative explanations of research outcomes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the data that were gathered using descriptive statistics of demographic factors of the study sample: scale descriptives for reliability of the variables and modified variables in the study; power analysis; correlations and analysis of variance between the components of Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (intentions, past behaviors, attitudes, social pressures/norms, perceived behavioral control); and multiple regression analysis for controlling for demographics and the constructs of the theory of planned behavior. The development of an 80-item quantitative questionnaire and the design of this study were based on Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior. The purpose of the study was to…
author: Boyd, Brenda L.
keywords: Medical Toxicology, Public Health, Radiology
date published: 2013-01-01T08:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-07-24T00:52:41Z
provider: Andrews University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Andrews University