Knowledge levels of third- and fourth-year medical faculty students about radiation and radiation dose to which patients are exposed during radiologic imaging

Aims: The aim of this survey study was to determine the level of knowledge of 3rd and 4th year medical students about radiation and radiation dose to which patients are exposed. Methods: This study is a descriptive and cross-sectional study and was conducted using a questionnaire method (Google Form). The study was conducted between January 2025 and February 2025 among 3rd and 4th year students of Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine. In the data collection form used in the study, 3 questions were related to age, gender, and medical school year, while the remaining 22 questions were designed to assess the participants’ level of knowledge about radiation and radiation dose to which patients are exposed during radiologic imaging. Results: A total of 170 students participated in the survey, 101 of whom were 3rd year medical students and 69 of whom were 4th year medical students. When the responses of all students regarding the presence of radiation in radiologic imaging methods were examined, the accuracy rates were found to be: ultrasonography 96.5%; X-ray 95.3%; CT 91.2%; MRI 65.9%; mammography 62.9%; and angiography 51.5%. The 3rd and 4th year students stated that ultrasonography contained 2% and 2.9% radiation, and magnetic resonance imaging contained 30.7% and 30.4% radiation, respectively. Among the questions asked about the effect of radiation, the question “Does radiation exposure cause infertility?” was statistically significant between 3rd and 4th year students (p<0.005). No significant difference was found in other questions. It was found that the correct dose estimation was significantly less in the responses of the surveyed students to the dose levels to which the patients were exposed in radiological imaging methods involving ionizing radiation. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between 3rd and 4th year students in the question of the dose exposure in lower extremity arteriography (p<0.005). No significant difference was found in other questions. Conclusion: Our study and similar studies indicate that the level of knowledge of medical faculty students about radiation and radiation-containing imaging methods is not sufficient. Increasing their level of knowledge on this subject is important for patients to receive correct and adequate treatment. We think that increasing the number of courses on this subject and providing reminder trainings after graduation will be beneficial in terms of enhancing physicians’ knowledge.