Abstract

Background: Ionizing radiation is a helpful diagnostic tool in a wide range of medical specialties. However, it imposes a risk of radiation exposure to both patients and healthcare professionals. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the level of knowledge of patients toward radiation exposure hazards and radiation dose. Methodology: The study was a qualitative cross-sectional study. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire that was distributed electronically to the patients who underwent the diagnostic radiological procedure. Data were represented in terms of frequencies and valid percentages for categorical variables. A one-way analysis of variance test was used to compare numerical variables between subgroups. Results: The mean knowledge score was below average (5.08 ± 2.952). Patients aged between 18 and 25 years, and single patients had significantly higher mean scores. Patients who were advised about the hazards of radiation showed a significantly higher mean score. These informed patients had the highest mean score in the entire sample population. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of patients in Bahrain toward risks of radiation exposure is inadequate. Further research is required on a national level. Awareness campaigns are highly recommended to improve the level of knowledge.

Key words: Knowledge, perception of patients, the hazards, dose of diagnostic radiation, Bahrain.