Assessment of knowledge about radiation risk among fellows and residents in pediatric department in Tabuk city

Abstract

Background: The study aimed at investigating the knowledge in pediatric residents and fellows in two Saudi hospitals, putting shedding lights on the information available for patients and their relatives concerning the risk assessment of radiation used in radiological investigations for children. Methods: This study was a cross sectional study based on a questionnaire of multiple-choice questions. The questionnaire was distributed to 40 pediatric residents and fellows from two hospitals in Tabuk city in Saudi Arabia, military hospital (NWAFH) and KKH. Statistical analysis of the data was done using SPSS, version 17.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). The percentage of participants who gave correct answers was calculated for each question. Individual questions were analyzed using Chi-squared test of independence. All statistical significance valueswere P < 0.05. Results: Only35 fromthe 40 questionnaires were completed then analyzed (87.5%). Only 10 surveyed (34.5%)was considered competent torisk radiation knowledge for commonly performed radiological examination. Regarding to the Percentage of correct answers,at least 50% (adequate knowledge was considered withsevenminimum score of correct answers out of thirteen). Conclusion: The knowledge of radiation doses and risks from common radiological tests was sub-optimal amongthe fellows and residentsin pediatric department. Awareness of radiation hazards for fellows and residents during radiation exposure risk examinationsshould be considered an essential part of medical education.