Survey on physicians’ perceptions of occupational radiation exposure management: differences in perceptions by sex

Abstract With the increase in the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques involving radiation, investigating the radiation-protection behavior of physicians and healthcare workers is becoming increasingly important. In this study, sex differences in physicians’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAPs) were examined regarding occupational radiation protection in Japan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, and the responses were analyzed using logistic regression, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that female physicians had a higher likelihood of consistent personal dosimeter wearing than male physicians after adjusting for age and clinical department; this finding warrants cautious interpretation given the small female subsample. PCA extracted four principal components representing distinct dimensions: (1) perceived organizational support for radiation protection, (2) understanding of and intention to practice protective behavior, (3) personal dose management behavior, and (4) awareness of rule violations by others. A cluster analysis based on these components identified five distinct patterns of radiation protection awareness and behavior. Differences in sex, age, and clinical department were observed across clusters, indicating the influence of both individual and institutional contexts. These results indicate that physicians’ KAPs for radiation protection are shaped not only by professional knowledge but also by their roles, environments, and personal experiences. Although the self-reported, cross-sectional survey design limits causal inference and generalizability, the observed patterns highlight specific targets for improvement. These insights can aid the development of practical interventions that can enhance radiation protection among healthcare professionals. Graphical abstract