Abstract

Background: Knowledge and awareness of imaging-related ionizing radiation risks in Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study assessed these factors and their determinants among adults in Jazan.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 604 adults employed a validated questionnaire assessing radiological imaging background, radiation risk awareness, and protection practices. Scores were categorized as high, moderate, or low based on Bloom’s cutoff points. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify significant predictors (p < 0.05).
Results: Low scores were prevalent across all domains, with 66% of participants demonstrating low imaging background knowledge, 68% showing low radiation risk awareness, and 48% exhibiting low levels of protection practices. Notably, only 20% had heard the term “ionizing radiation,” and just 18% were able to define it correctly. Nearly one-third could not identify imaging modalities that involve ionizing radiation. Male participants scored significantly higher than females in risk awareness (β = 0.39, p = 0.010) and protection practices (β = 0.38, p = 0.010). Higher education, particularly postgraduate education, was a significant predictor of higher scores in background knowledge (β = 0.55, p = 0.010), risk awareness (β = 0.90, p = 0.009), and protection practices (β = 1.05, p = 0.002). Prior radiological imaging history strongly predicted higher scores in background knowledge (β = 4.91, p < 0.001) and protection practices (β = 0.92, p < 0.001). Urban residence was associated with greater radiation risk awareness scores (β = 0.36, p = 0.012), and higher monthly income (>15,000 SAR) was a significant predictor of improved background knowledge scores (β = 0.37, p = 0.006).
Conclusion: Culturally tailored education, particularly for older adults, females, and rural residents, is essential to improve health literacy and promote safe imaging practices.

Key words: Ionizing radiation; Radiation risk awareness; Public knowledge; Jazan region; Saudi Arabia