Disparities in Radiation Protection Knowledge Among Radiology Professionals in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Author(s)
Samah M. Al-Hujaili, MSc1, Mohamed Alqurashi, PhD2, Mohammed Al-Hanawi, PhD3.
1Dental University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 3Health Services and Hospitals Administration Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
1Dental University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 3Health Services and Hospitals Administration Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
OBJECTIVES: Occupational exposure to radiation remains a critical hazard in radiology departments, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols. However, uneven knowledge and awareness among healthcare professionals may compromise protection efforts, increasing risks to both staff and patients. This study assessed the level of knowledge and awareness regarding radiation protection among radiology professionals at King Abdulaziz University health facilities. The study also investigated disparities in radiation protection knowledge and awareness among radiology professionals.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among radiology staff from the university hospital, dental hospital, and medical services centre. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and awareness of radiation protection principles. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with knowledge level.
RESULTS: Participants demonstrated moderate awareness and knowledge regarding radiation protection. Female professionals scored significantly higher than males in knowledge assessments. Knowledge and awareness levels also varied by facility, with professionals in the university hospital outperforming those at the dental hospital and medical services centre. Furthermore, 59% of all respondents had not participated in radiation safety training in the past six months, with technicians reporting the lowest training participation. These findings point to clear disparities in access to knowledge and preparedness across different professional roles and institutional settings.
CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals important disparities in radiation protection knowledge among radiology professionals. Addressing these gaps requires tailored institutional strategies that ensure equitable access to training, reinforce standardized safety protocols, and support undertrained staff groups. Promoting consistent knowledge across the radiology workforce is essential to strengthening occupational safety and advancing health system quality. These findings can inform institutional safety training strategies and national workforce development policies aimed at reducing radiation-related occupational risks.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among radiology staff from the university hospital, dental hospital, and medical services centre. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and awareness of radiation protection principles. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with knowledge level.
RESULTS: Participants demonstrated moderate awareness and knowledge regarding radiation protection. Female professionals scored significantly higher than males in knowledge assessments. Knowledge and awareness levels also varied by facility, with professionals in the university hospital outperforming those at the dental hospital and medical services centre. Furthermore, 59% of all respondents had not participated in radiation safety training in the past six months, with technicians reporting the lowest training participation. These findings point to clear disparities in access to knowledge and preparedness across different professional roles and institutional settings.
CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals important disparities in radiation protection knowledge among radiology professionals. Addressing these gaps requires tailored institutional strategies that ensure equitable access to training, reinforce standardized safety protocols, and support undertrained staff groups. Promoting consistent knowledge across the radiology workforce is essential to strengthening occupational safety and advancing health system quality. These findings can inform institutional safety training strategies and national workforce development policies aimed at reducing radiation-related occupational risks.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HSD36
Topic
Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas