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Ionizing radiation awareness among consultants, specialists, resident doctors, interns, and radiographers in a university hospital obstetrics and gynecology department

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Ionizing radiation from medical imaging poses health risks to patients and healthcare professionals. Awareness of these risks is critical for safe practice, especially in Obstetrics and Gynecology, where fetal exposure must be minimized. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of ionizing radiation among consultants, specialists, resident doctors, interns, and radiographers at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2022 and 2024 among 146 out of 160 invited healthcare professionals in the OB/GYN department (response rate: 91.3 %). Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge of radiation doses, associated risks, and safety practices. Knowledge scores (0–14) were categorized as poor (<60 %) or good (≥60 %). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and associations between professional title and knowledge level were assessed using Chi-squared tests. Missing data were handled using pairwise deletion. Results The mean knowledge score was 2.41 ± 2.17, with only 3/146 participants (2.1 %) demonstrating good knowledge and 143/146 (97.9 %) showing poor understanding. Interns correctly identified the radiation dose for abdominal ultrasound in 45/95 (47.4 %) and abdominal MRI in 18/95 (18.9 %) (p < 0.05). Only 23/146 (15.8 %) recognized that a single abdominal CT in childhood increases lifetime cancer risk, and only 20/146 (13.6 %) reported routinely informing patients about radiation risks before ordering imaging exams. Conclusions A substantial knowledge gap exists among OB/GYN professionals at KAUH regarding ionizing radiation risks. Targeted education, policy changes, and improved patient communication are essential to enhance safety. Future research should evaluate the impact of educational interventions on improving radiation awareness and clinical decision-making.

Source: Continence Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.contre.2025.100103

Authors: Dana S. Sawan, Abdulrahman M. Alkudsi, Renad M. Abualsaud, Ghalia W. Edrees, Felwa F. Althaher

Institution: King Abdulaziz University

Language: English

Topic: Radiation Dose and Imaging

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $900