Abstract
This study was conducted to assess Saudi obstetricians’ knowledge and awareness of the risks of ionizing radiation. Following a cross-sectional study design, 130 obstetricians in Saudi Arabia were included. A study questionnaire was designed and developed by the researcher. Most participants (69.2%) did not undergo training on radiation risk, while their activities related to radiation risk included attending accredited courses (5.4%); on-the-job training (21.5%); attending workshops, seminars, or conferences (25.4%); self-directed study (26.9%); and other activities (7.7%). Only 43.1% of participants were aware of the 10-day rule, while 87.7% considered alternative imaging investigations. Meanwhile, approximately two-thirds of participants were aware of their organizational policy for explaining the effect of computed tomography (CT) on the fetuses of pregnant women undergoing CT. Only 13.1% of participants were aware of the current maximum recommended absorbed doses in the head, while 6.2% were aware of those in the chest, 6.9% of those in the abdomen, 21.5% of those in the pelvis, and 7.7% of those in the lumbar spine. Overall, most Saudi obstetricians lack knowledge regarding risks of ionization radiation to the fetuses.