Original Research |
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RMJ. 2014; 39(4): 372-375 Awareness of hazards of Radiation in patients visiting Radiology department of Social Security hospital IslamabadNaushaba Malik, Fatima Usman, Shazia Fatima, Ghazal Jameel, Usman Ali Trimizi. Abstract | | | | Objective: To assess the knowledge and awareness about radiation among patients visiting our institution.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out atSocial Security hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan from June 2008 to November 2009. A questionnaire was used to collect date from 192 patients who came for radiological procedures.
Results: Out of 192 patients, 99 (51.6%) were female while 93 (48.4%) were male. The age ranged from 10 years to 70 years. 58.3% had first radiological procedure while 41.7% had more than once. 53.12% had some knowledge about radiation and 75% correctly answered that x-ray examination involved ionizing radiation. 69% thought cancer as the major side effect of radiation. Males are slightly more informed as compared to the females (67% versus 45%) about the radiation.
Conclusion: This study shows that there is lack of awareness among the general public about radiation exposure and it side effects.
Key words: Radiation exposure. Nuclear medicine, harmful Biological effects, Imaging procedure, DNA damage, Knowledge about radiation hazards.
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