Abstract
PURPOSE: The growing use of ionizing radiation in medical imaging requires balancing diagnostic benefits with radiation risks. This study assesses awareness and knowledge of radiation doses and risks among Jordanians. METHODS: This cross-sectional study surveyed 582 Jordanian social media users online between December and February 2023, using 24 multiple-choice questions on demographics, radiological health risks, and precautionary awareness. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 321 (55%) males and 261 (45%) females, with most patients (54%) being from the 18-30 age group. Findings revealed a 42% incidence of direct radiation exposure within the past six months, predominantly advised by physicians (82%). Notably, 94% of participants recognized the risk of radiation exposure to pregnant women's pelvic and abdominal regions. Awareness of the carcinogenic potential of radiation was high (92%), yet only 18% reported wearing protective gear during exposure. There was a significant difference between medical and non-medical respondents in the awareness of wearing protective gear (25% vs. 11%, p-value < 0.001), risk of cancer, infertility, cataracts, and the effect of spiral CT scans to 100-800 X-rays (83% vs. 69%, p-value < 0.001). In addition, 37% of medical respondents thought warning signs are enough for comprehensive explanation compared to 27% in non-medical respondents (p-value = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The study reveals satisfactory awareness of medical radiation hazards among Jordanians, with disparities between medical and non-medical respondents. However, low protective gear usage and knowledge gaps indicate the need for improved education in radiology and public health campaigns on radiation safety. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13139-025-00919-z.