Knowledge of Nigerian doctors regarding radiation doses of common radiological examinations

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Radiation has proven adverse biological effects, nevertheless, it continues to be widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. The effects vary according to dose and duration of exposure. Previous studies have shown that doctors' knowledge of radiation safety is insufficient and hundreds of unnecessary examinations are performed yearly. Materials and methods: A questionnaire listing the radiation doses of routine radiological diagnostic procedures was administered to doctors at the University College Hospital, Ibadan and to a cross-section of Nigerian radiologists at a conference. Respondents were asked for the equivalent doses of radiation for common radiological examinations when a normal chest x-ray is regarded as one unit. A correct response was assigned one mark. Results: A total of238 (79.3%) out of300 questionnaires were completed and returned by doctors in various specialties and grades. There were 157 (66.0 %) males and 81(34%) females. Eighty four respondents (35.3 %) had received formal training in ionizing radiation. The total mean score obtained was 3.7 ± 2.7 of 21 marks (17.6%) and the median was 4.0(19.0%). Only 38 (16.0%) doctors correctly identified the effective dose of a chest radiograph while 35 (14.7%) correctly related the effective dose of a chest radiograph to the annual dose received from background radiation. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging examinations were wrongly regarded as using ionizing radiation by 49 (20.5%) and 73 (30.6%) respondents respectively. Formal training in radiation protection did not appear to significantly affect the level of radiation knowledge^ 1.061; p=0.588). Conclusion: Majority of Nigerian doctors are unaware of the radiation dose patients are exposed to during radiological examinations, probably due to inadequate information and/or training about radiation use and safety. Improved radiation safety teaching and workshops for physicians may help reverse this trend.