Medical Student's Knowledge of Ionizing Radiation and Radiation Protection in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of medical students in ionizing radiation and to study the effect of a 3-hour lecture in correcting their misconceptions. Methods: a cohort study was conducted on medical students at Almaarefa Colleges, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the academic year 2015-2016. A 7-question multiple choice test type questionnaires administered before and after a 3-hour lecture was used to assess their knowledge. The data were collected from December 2015 to February 2016. The lecture was given to 333 (72%) participants, out of the total of 459 medical students. It covered topics in ionizing radiation and radiation protection. The questionnaire was validated and analyzed by 3 content experts. Results: of the 333 who attended the lecture, only 253 (76%) students completed the pre-and post questionnaire and they were included in this study. The average student score improved from 47-78% representing a gain of 31% in knowledge (p =0.01). Conclusion: the results indicated that the medical student's knowledge regarding ionizing radiation and radiation protection is inadequate. Additional lectures in radiation protection significantly improved their knowledge of the topic and correct their current misunderstanding. This study had shown that even with one dedicated lecture, students can learn and learn general principles regarding ionizing radiation.

Assessment of Awareness And Knowledge among Medical Students Regarding Radiation Exposure from Common Diagnostic Imaging Procedures

“…The majority of the population study demonstrates that the best way to raise their knowledge is through tutorials or workshops. This agrees with other studies (7,(11)(12)(13). The study shows that the curriculum does not focus as much as necessary on radiation dose and related risks and protection.…”

“…Hence, health professionals must be alert of the radiation exposures related to radiological diagnostic examinations, especially CT scans. In the last years, health workers from different specialties have been investigated by many studies regarding their familiarity with radiation dose and radiation hazard, and nearly all these studies' results were significantly unsatisfied (5)(6)(7). While many studies of medical students' knowledge of radiology have been achieved, the particular area of awareness among medical students regarding relative radiation doses associated with different diagnostic imaging investigations has so far been meticulously investigated (8)(9)(10).…”