Abstract
Background
Diagnostic imaging techniques are vital for diagnosing diseases. While the demand for these images is rising globally, it is essential that physicians in Palestine exercise caution, especially when requesting radiological exams for pediatric and possibly pregnant patients. This study aims at assessing physicians' understanding of radiation levels, doses, and risks to determine any changes amid advancements.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study questionnaire was distributed to general physicians, residents, specialists, and internships, who are working in Palestinian hospitals and clinics. The questionnaire consisted of 6 sections: socio-demographic section, level of training and source of education, general radiation knowledge, pediatric radiation knowledge, pregnant radiation knowledge, and radiation risk. The data were presented through descriptive analysis and multivariate regression analysis. The assessment of general knowledge and pediatric radiation knowledge utilized a scoring system in which correct answers were assigned a score of one, while incorrect answers or omissions received a score of zero. Those scoring ≤ 50% were deemed to have poor knowledge, 51–69% were considered fair, and those achieving ≥ 70% were classified as knowledgeable.
Results
A total of 211 physicians participated in the study. 63.5% of them were males, 43.1% of the study sample were specialists. 51.2% confirmed receiving a specific education in the field of diagnostic radiation. The questionnaire results showed an average score of 3.5 out of 10 for general radiation knowledge, 2.1 out of 12 for pediatric knowledge, and 2.3 out of 5 for radiation risk, which was deemed poor.
Conclusion
The study findings align with prior studies indicating a widespread poor level of general knowledge in radiation, pediatric radiation, pregnant radiation, and radiation risk among physicians. This emphasizes the necessity for Palestinian physicians to be updated in the field of radiation dosimetry in medical imaging and to actively engage in official training courses about radiation risks and protection measures.