Awareness of Interventional Radiology and The Associated Radiation Exposure Risk Among The Public Population and Primary Care Physicians in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: The imperative for healthcare professionals to possess a comprehensive understanding of radiation doses and the associated risks of the diagnostic imaging processes they recommend is underscored by the evolving landscape of medical diagnostics and treatment. Interventional radiology (IR) plays a crucial role in modern medicine, offering minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgery. However, public and healthcare practitioner awareness of IR and its associated radiation risks remains inadequately explored, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of interventional radiology (IR) and the associated risks of radiological procedures among the general public and healthcare practitioners in Saudi Arabia, identify knowledge gaps, and inform future educational initiatives. Methods: Participants undergoing radiological procedures were selected using a random sampling technique, with stratification based on gender, age, nationality, and education level. The survey, conducted in Saudi Arabia, comprised 48 questions in yes-or-no and multiple-choice formats, covering demographic information, comprehension of interventional radiology, and awareness of radiation exposure risks. Results: Out of 625 respondents, 62.7% had no prior knowledge of IR, and 94.2% had never undergone IR procedures. A significant proportion (55%) lacked information about the radiation exposure associated with IR, and 57.9% perceived risks from radiation in imaging devices. In the post-educational video, 88.2% favoured IR over traditional treatment methods, with 57.8% expressing a willingness to undergo IR procedures in the future. Conclusion: The study reveals a substantial lack of awareness and knowledge about interventional radiology and radiation risks among the Saudi Arabian population and healthcare practitioners. There is a critical need to enhance public and professional understanding of IR to ensure informed decision-making and patient consent, necessitating targeted educational programs to bridge these knowledge gaps.