Knowledge about ıonizing radiation and radiation protection among patients awaiting radiological examinations: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the level of
\nknowledge about ionizing radiation and radiation
\nprotection among patients who underwent radiological
\nexaminations.
\nMaterıals and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was
\ncarried out of 224 patients in the university hospital. A
\nquestionnaire which tested patients’ information about
\nionizing radiation, harmful effects and protection from
\nthese effects was applied by medical school students. The
\nscore for 24 knowledge questions was evaluated out of a
\ntotal of 100 points.
\nResults: Of the participants, 32.6% had completed
\nprimary school. The majority of patients (91.5%) had had
\nprevious radiological examinations. The mean score was
\n54.78±20.08. There was no significant difference between
\nfemale (55.72±19.44) and male (53.54±20.93), and
\nbetween low (54.30±18.45) and high (55.27±21.71)
\neducated participants (P>0.05). The patients who had CT
\nexamination previously had significantly higher points
\n(59.76±18.23) than the patients who had not
\n(51.38±20.66) (P=0.002). The score was significantly
\ndifferent (P=0.001) between the patients who realized that
\nradiation could cause cancer (57.78±19.87) and who could
\nnot (46.56±18.42). The ratio of knowing this question
\nincreased with the education level (P=0.032).
\nConclusion: Although many of the participants had
\nradiological examinations previously, they had insufficient
\nknowledge about radiation protection. Since the level of
\neducation for most patients was primary school, it would
\nbe appropriate to include lessons about radiation and side
\neffects in primary schools In waiting rooms, informative
\nbrochures about radiation protection could be useful for
\nthe patients.