AWARENESS OF REFERRING PHYSICIANS ON THE RISK OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY RADIATION EXPOSURE AT USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY TEACHNG HOSPITAL, SOKOTO STATE

Abstract

Background: The computed tomography (CT) is an imaging modality that uses ionizing radiation to reveal internal structures of human body parts, from neonates to adults in a tomographic pattern. At present, the CT scan is the dominant contributor to medical radiation exposure. This study aimed at assessing the level of awareness among referring physicians about the risks of CT radiation exposure at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A sample of 80 referring physicians was used and selected using random sampling method. Data collection instrument used was a structured questionnaire and was self-administered to the participants. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Findings showed only 31.2% always informed patients before CT referrals, while 40% did so sometimes and 27.5% rarely disclosed these risks. A significant knowledge gap exists regarding formal radiation safety guidelines, with two-thirds (67.5%) unaware of national or international protocols for CT imaging. Institutional support for ongoing training was notably deficient, with only 22.5% reporting regular hospital-based radiation safety training, while nearly half (48.8%) were uncertain if such programs existed and 28.7% confirmed their absence. Conclusion: This study concludes that while most referring physicians at UDUTH are aware that CT involves ionizing radiation, their understanding of the magnitude of radiation risk, safety protocols, and justification practices is inadequate.