(RS2) Awareness of Parents and Caretakers on Diagnostic Radiological Examination Related Radiation Exposure: A Survey

Introduction:

Children are generally more radiosensitive. They have higher risk of developing certain malignancy as a result of radiation exposure. While some parents and caretakers are worried when their children need to undergo medical imaging, the others might not be aware of the radiation risk.  Hence, this study aims to evaluate the awareness of parents and caretakers on medical imaging-related radiation exposure and their opinion on medical radiation exposure-tracking programme for the paediatric population.

Results:

Two hundred and fifteen respondents participated in this survey. More than 40% of them failed to identify various dose saving and ionising radiation-related imaging. Only 87 participants (40.5%) could correctly answer at least six out of eleven knowledge-based questions. 88.4% of the respondents support a medical radiation exposure-tracking programme for their children.

Discussion / Conclusion:

Parents and caretakers had inadequate knowledge and awareness on medical radiation exposure. Appropriate measures need to be taken to address this issue. Implementation of a medical radiation exposure-tracking programme is considered timely for the paediatric population.