Knowledge and Attitude towards Ionizing Radiation among Patients Attending the King Khalid Hospital Najran, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate and assess the knowledge and attitude to dose and associated risks caused by Ionizing Radiation (IR) procedures among patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 375 consecutive patients, conducted over a period of 4 months from at the radiology unit of King Khalid Hospital in Najran for IR procedures using self-administered questionnaires that was developed and distributed with consents and instructions to the participants. Results: About three-quarter (60%) of the patients reported not being worried to undergo radiological tests. The same proportion of the patients also would not have radiological tests if they can tolerate the disease. About half (50%) of the respondents stated that they would not be satisfied if no further radiological tests were required and 52% did not think that radiological procedures can cause hazards and side effects to the body. Also, over half (53%) of the patients reported not knowing that radiological tests can cause cancer; 48% would not repeat the radiological tests within six months; and about 69% did not know the importance of Radiology for diagnosis. Conclusion: There is relatively low knowledge and awareness of the risks associated with Ionizing Radiation among patients in the study population. Therefore, there is a need for educating the public and not only medical personnel, about radiation exposure and associated risks.