Assessment of Public Knowledge and Perceptions Toward Radiation Exposure Risks in Saudi Arabia: A Survey Study

Introduction Radiation exposure poses potential health risks, yet public awareness regarding its sources, effects, and safety measures remains inconsistent. Understanding the level of knowledge and perceptions about radiation risks is essential for developing effective educational strategies. This study aimed to assess public knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward radiation exposure risks in Saudi Arabia, focusing on awareness of ionizing radiation sources, safety measures, and information-seeking behaviors. Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Saudi residents aged 18 years and above using an online questionnaire distributed through digital platforms. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models in SPSS version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The study examined associations between demographic factors and levels of knowledge and perception regarding radiation exposure risks. Results Over two-thirds (67.6%) were unaware of natural sources of ionizing radiation, and 41.5% incorrectly believed that chest X-rays and CT scans deliver equal radiation doses. The most common imaging procedures experienced were simple X-rays (28.9%) and dental X-rays (25.7%). More than half (53.1%) reported concerns during radiological tests, and 58.3% believed these procedures pose health hazards. Receiving prior information on radiation risks strongly predicted higher awareness (p < 0.001), while males and married individuals were less likely to have positive perceptions (p < 0.05). Conclusion The study identified significant gaps in public knowledge and perception toward radiation exposure risks. Receiving information on the topic was a key predictor of increased awareness, while gender and marital status influenced perceptions, with males and married participants being less likely to hold positive views. These findings emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions and tailored communication strategies to address knowledge gaps, dispel misconceptions, change attitudes, and foster patient trust regarding radiation exposure risks and radiological procedures.