Awareness of patients on ionizing radiation exposure and the risks associated with it in CT scan examination at Moi teaching and referral hospital, Kenya

Background: Computer Tomography (CT) scan utilizes ionizing radiation that has been established as risk factors for development of cancer. However, patients’ knowledge of these risks is not well documented and especially in Kenya. Objective: To establish patients’ awareness on ionizing radiation exposure and the risks associated with repeated CT scan examination. Methods: A prospective study carried out in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). It was descriptive cross-sectional study. Convenient sampling method was used to get a sample size was 120 patients. The data was collected using structured questionnaires and analysed. The study was conducted between April and June 2019. Results: A total of 120 participants were recruited into the study of which 60% were male and 40% female. Majority (38%) had secondary level of education. Overall, 18% were familiar with the term ionizing radiation, 14% knew that CT scan uses ionizing radiation but only 2% were aware that CT scan emits higher ionizing radiation as compared to the general X-rays. At the same time, 65% knew that ionizing radiation posed greater risk to pregnant women. In addition, 10% were aware of the relationship between ionizing radiation exposure and development of cancer. Separately, 63% were aware and observed some of the safety practices in a CT scan unit. Conclusion: Majority of the patients seen at the MTRH CT scan unit did not demonstrate an understanding of the concept of ionizing radiation exposure and the risk associated with multiple CT scans examinations.