Abstract:

Background: Imaging technology at present is an undeniable challenge and attraction to all who realize the quality of images this technology can produce. Various studies has, in instances, identified that patients are bewildered by possible radiation hazards from diagnostic imaging modalities because they don’t know that medical radiation administered is kept as low as reasonably achievable in such a way that all undesired biological changes are minimized. What is the patient’s awareness and attitude in relation to benefits and risks of diagnostic imaging modalities at BMC?

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional conducted at BMC on 370 patients for duration of one month. Data were obtained through structured questionnaire and were analysed using SPSS version 20.

Results/Discussion: Majority of participants were females 191 (51.6%), the age ranged between 21-84 years with mean of 52.74 and (SD = 15.433). It was found that the awareness of potential risks associated with diagnostic imaging modalities was low, where 61.6% of participants were found to be unaware. However, 68% of participants were found to be aware of the benefits. Furthermore, patients showed a high attitude towards diagnostic imaging modalities where 83% had positive attitude despite the fact that their awareness of potential risks associated with diagnostic imaging modalities were found to be low.

Conclusion: The patient’s awareness on diagnostic imaging modalities in relation to potential risks is worrying, although most of them are aware of the benefits. Despite that patient expressed acceptable level of positive attitude, it is important that clinicians and imaging technologists to continuously educate patients before undergoing diagnostic imaging examinations.