Medical Radiography

ABSTRACT
Objectives: Between 20 to 50% of medical imaging examinations are considered
inappropriate, and unnecessary ionizing radiation exposures may lead to cancer. We
hypothesized that Bahraini patients who self-present for ionizing radiation procedures
are not aware of, and lack the requisite knowledge of, the inherent risks associated with
their use than patients prescribed for diagnostic purposes. We attempted to examine
and compare the awareness and knowledge of the associated risks of ionizing radiation
in common diagnostic radiological procedures between prescribed and self-presenting
patients in Bahrain. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 416
Bahraini patients attending the radiology department of the Salmaniya Medical
Complex (SMC), a secondary health care center, who had been referred by primary care
physicians or self-presented to the center. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews.
Results: Prescribed patients (n = 358) had a better awareness than self-presenting
(n = 58) patients on all ionizing radiation awareness statements (i.e., risks, permissible
levels, willingness to undergo the procedure, and preference for a clinical examination over
a radiological procedure) (p < 0.050). Of the 10 knowledge statements, the prescribed
patients agreed on four statements than the self-presenting patients: preventing or
minimizing exposure improves health, people can prevent or minimize exposure, a
lifelong health concern, and radiological procedures offer best diagnoses compared to
medical tests or procedures (p < 0.050). Conclusions: Bahraini patients who reported to
SMC lack awareness and knowledge on ionizing radiation. The proportion of appropriate
responses to awareness and knowledge questions were paltry for self-presenting patients
and deficient for the prescribed patients in the knowledge segment alone.