Awareness of Hazards of X-Ray Imaging and Perception Regarding Necessary Safety Measures to be taken during X-Ray Imaging Procedures among Patients in Public Sector Tertiary Hospitals in Saudi Arabia 2022

Abstract

Background: X-ray imaging is a common procedure performed on a regular basis for diagnostic purposes all over the world. The use of X-rays is increasing rapidly with the introduction of new radiation-oriented therapeutic practices. Although it carries significant diagnostic benefits, extensive exposure to X-ray imaging has been shown to be associated with multiple dose-dependent health risks. Awareness and knowledge among patients regarding the effects of X-ray imaging, therefore, becomes important. Through this study, we aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of the hazards of X-ray imaging among different groups of patients visiting two of the public sector tertiary hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. We also aimed to evaluate the necessary safety measures undertaken during X-ray imaging in these hospitals, and the perception of patients regarding the importance of these measures. To circumvent this problem therefore, this study was conducted to determine whether safety precautionary measures necessary for shielding patients contact to unsafe dose of radioactivity were being adhered to or not. Aim of the study: To assessment awareness of Hazards of X-Ray Imaging and Perception Regarding Necessary Safety Measures to be taken during X-Ray Imaging Procedures among Patients in Public Sector Tertiary Hospitals in Saudi Arabia 2022. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 participants from Public Sector Hospitals kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used, emergency Physicians and health care working in X-Ray, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging department It includes questions on socio demographic variables, Hazards of X-Ray Imaging and in Public Sector Tertiary Hospitals, during the August to September 2022. Results: show the remaining socio-demographic characteristics of the participant regarding age most of participants 40-50 years were (33.0%) the gender majority of participants were(59.0%) were male the department the most of participant radiology were (44.0%).Conclusion: The patients visiting the public sector tertiary care hospitals of Karachi seem to lack the knowledge and awareness regarding the hazards of ionizing radiations and the necessary safety measures required to be undertaken during X-ray imaging. More awareness programs should be conducted to increase the level of patients' awareness to protect them from unnecessary health risks.