AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF SAUDI RADIOGRAPHERS REGARDING HIGH CT DOSES: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: CT scans contribute 67% of radiation exposure in medical imaging. While medical professionals’ well knowledge and positive attitudes are associated with reducing ionizing radiation risks, studies evaluating these two concepts among Saudi CT radiographers are scarce.

Purpose of the study: To investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi radiographers regarding CT radiation dose and its associated risks.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November to December 2023 included 33 Saudi radiographers in Jizan region, Saudi Arabia. The survey included 30 questions on demographics, CT radiation dosage, ionising radiation risks, and CT optimisation factors. Descriptive statistics analysis was conducted for the data using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.

Results: Recent data reveals that 57.6% of participants understand CT radiation dosage well, while 66% possess good knowledge of its associated hazards. Only 18% of radiographers correctly identified female children as the most radiosensitive. 78.8% of participants understand DRLs, and 93.9% aware about the ALARA concept. Additionally, 90.9% express positive attitudes toward further education in CT optimization. Regarding communication, 39% agree to discuss CT radiation hazards with radiologists or referring physicians for all scans, and 51% for specific scans. Moreover, 66% of participants educate patients about CT radiation before all scans. 54% of radiographers in this study fear that discussing radiation dose may deter patients from undergoing scans. The total participants knowledge score in CT optimization parameters is 13 of 29.

Conclusion: Participants demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding CT radiation yet lacked understanding of demographic radiosensitivity and CT optimization parameters. Therefore, educational and training interventions for radiographers are essential to improve radiological performances in Saudi Arabia