Assessment of Physicians’ Awareness of Radiation Exposure and Patient Radiation Protection in Mogadishu, Somalia

Abstract

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.