Sustainability in radiography education: A case study of a tertiary institution in Zimbabwe

Introduction

To equip radiographers to tackle the negative impacts of climate change, it is crucial to offer in-depth education on planetary health and sustainability. This study aimed to use a tertiary institution in Zimbabwe as a case study to assess radiography students' views on the integration of sustainability into their curriculum.

Methods

A quantitative cross-sectional study using a questionnaire took place at a tertiary institution in Harare, Zimbabwe, where students were sampled consecutively. Categorical variables were described using frequencies and percentages. Data analysis was carried out using Stata 13.1.

Results

A total of 96 out of 111 students participated, with an 86% response rate. The majority of students believed in the importance of environmentally friendly radiography practices (90.62%) and felt that sustainability is crucial for better patient care. While sustainability teaching was acknowledged in the curriculum, many students were not confident about the topic in exams. There was no consensus on the preferred methods of teaching sustainability. University lecturers specializing in climate-related fields were seen as the most suitable teachers for sustainability education.

Conclusions

The curriculum reflects efforts in sustainability education, but student confidence and awareness of climate-focused research units require improvement. Continuous education is crucial to link sustainability awareness with practical implications in radiography. Future studies should investigate tailored teaching methods to engage students effectively in sustainable radiography practices.

Implications for practice

The findings highlight the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns to address the disconnect between understanding the importance of sustainability and implementing it effectively in radiography practice.