A Study of Knowledge & Awareness of Radiation Exposure Risk in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Radiological procedures are being used much more these days. Patients must be given sufficient information, in a way that they can understand, to be able to make the right decisions about their care. Objectives: To assess the awareness and associated risks caused by medical radiation among the general population of Makkah, Saudi Arabia Methods: A pilot study among the general population of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 2016. Results: A total of 100 subjects answered the questionnaires. 56% females and 44% male respondents; mean age were 23 years, ranged from 16 to 45. Of these, 60% had attended college, 34% had completed high school, and 5% completed intermediate school, and 1% completed primary school. 69% have experience with medical imaging. Most subjects underwent X-rays (80%), MRI (30%), US (26%), CT (22%) and others (1%). Seventy-one% and 30% were aware of the radiation exposure involved in plain X-ray and CT scans, respectively. Furthermore, 32% and 17% were not aware of the free nature of MRI and US from radiation, respectively. Further, 30% incorrectly thought that barium studies, do not involve radiation. Moreover, 67% and 63%, think that they are not vulnerable to radiation on a plane and at home, respectively. 85% were told about the indication, and 9% told about the risks, and 13% were told the associated radiation dosage. 15.6% incorrectly thought that cancer risk does not increase with repeated radiation exposure. Education affect radiation knowledge significantly. Conclusion: Radiation awareness is poor among the general population. They need to be provided with the necessary information to improve their radiation awareness.