Assessment of Physicians’ Awareness of Radiation Exposure and Patient Radiation Protection in Mogadishu, Somalia
Abstract Objective: Diagnostic investigations using radiation have become a critical feature of medical practice in recent times, and the possibility of doctors’ underestimation of over-exposure risks to patients from diagnostic radiation is a matter of concern. Therefore, the purpose of this study...
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Published in | Somalia Turkiye Medical Journal (STMJ) Vol. 1; no. 1 |
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Main Authors | , , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
17.10.2022
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Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Abstract
Objective: Diagnostic investigations using radiation have become a critical feature of medical practice in recent times, and the possibility of doctors’ underestimation of over-exposure risks to patients from diagnostic radiation is a matter of concern. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate medical doctors’ awareness of radiation exposure in selected diagnostic radiology centers in Mogadishu.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of the awareness of doctors about radiation exposure in diagnostic radiology investigations in Somalia. Online questionnaires were distributed to 200 medical doctors working in 3 state and 7 private hospitals in Mogadishu. The study was conducted online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our data analysis was descriptive with a quantitative method, with univariate level analysis only for all variables.
Results: Of the 200 participants, 62% had no formal training on radiation exposure. 86% of our respondents had no idea of the quantity of radiation. Whereas only 10.5% of our respondents correctly estimated the quantity of radiation.
Conclusion: As a result of the high rate of poor awareness of radiation risks observed in the study, it is important that the Somali Ministry of Health and state-level health ministries must guarantee and implement appropriate radiological examination guidelines and national radiation policies and apply it to all levels of healthcare services.
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ISSN: | 2958-2849 2958-2849 |
DOI: | 10.58322/stmj.v1i01.10 |