Medical Radiation Knowledge among Patients in Local Hospitals

Evaluation of patient knowledge regarding radiation and its associated risks can identify knowledge gaps, providing an opportunity to increase patient awareness and understanding of medical radiation. The aims of this study were to evaluate the awareness level of patients regarding medical radiation types used in medical diagnostic imaging and to correlate them with the availability of radiation information provided upon examination.

A qualified radiographer distributed a multiple choice questionnaire in four major Jordanian hospitals, including three governmental hospitals and one university hospital. The questionnaire included demographic and radiation awareness sections. The sample included 400 patients who were undergoing routine x-ray imaging, computed tomography, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, or nuclear medicine.

Less than 50% of the participants had received information on radiation awareness upon examination. The average scores of the radiation awareness questionnaire ranged from 56% to 70%. There was a significant correlation (r = 1.00, P < .05) between those who were provided radiation information upon examination and the radiation awareness questions score.

Most of the patients did not receive the radiation awareness information upon examination, which reflected the low level of general radiation knowledge in most hospitals. Patient education and awareness should be improved to reduce unnecessary exposure from medical imaging examinations.