Title:Practice, Knowledge, and Awareness of the Diverse Effects of Diagnostic Radiology among Radiology Staff and Students in Saudi Arabia
Volume: 18
Author(s): Amjad Alyahyawi, Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali*Hussain Gadelkarim Ahmed
Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Science, Jouf University, Jouf, Saudi Arabia
Keywords:
Diagnostic radiation, radiation exposure, X-ray, cancer, radiology, ionizing radiation.
Abstract:
Background: Diagnostic radiology has been linked to several health consequences.
Thus, the present study aimed to assess the practice, knowledge, and awareness of the diverse effects
of diagnostic radiology among radiology staff and students in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: In this study, 107 participants were recruited from August to December 2020. The
study included 56 radiology personnel (staff from Hail City Hospitals) and 51 radiology medical
students (students from the University of Ha’il).
Results: To the question, “Have you ever been informed of radiation and its effects?” about 6/107
(5.6 %) answered “No,” among which 5/6 (83.3 %) were the staff. In response to the question, “In
your opinion, how hazardous is radiation to your body?” about 8/104 (7.7 %) indicated it as nonhazardous
(3 were staff and 5 were students). To the question, “Do you believe that radiation in
medical sites is harmful?” about 20/104 (19.2 %) answered, “No” (8 were staff and 12 were students).
Conclusion: There is a lack of awareness, knowledge, and practice towards ionizing radiation protection
measures among radiology medical students and radiology department staff in Northern
Saudi Arabia. The paper notifies the health system advisors to include stressing guidelines regarding
radiation hazards. More actions are deemed necessary for the safety of patients and radiation
workers.
