Level of Knowledge Among UNPRI Medical Students Regarding the Dangers of X-Ray Radiation and the Risk of Anemia

Adi Soekardi; Ratu  Clara Hasibuan; Masdalena  Nasution

doi:10.46799/adv.v4i8.623

Authors

Adi Soekardi Universitas Prima Indonesia
Ratu Clara Hasibuan Universitas Prima Indonesia
Masdalena Nasution Universitas Prima Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46799/adv.v4i8.623

Keywords:

X-ray radiation, knowledge, medical students, anemia risk, radiation safety

Abstract

X-ray radiation is a form of ionizing radiation widely used in medical services; however, uncontrolled exposure may produce biological effects on radiosensitive tissues, including the hematopoietic system. Medical students, as future healthcare professionals, require adequate knowledge of radiation hazards and their potential association with anemia risk. This study aimed to determine the knowledge level of 2023 medical students at Universitas Prima Indonesia (FK UNPRI) regarding the hazards of X-ray radiation and anemia risk, identify factors associated with knowledge levels, and analyze the relationship between knowledge of X-ray radiation and knowledge of anemia risk. An analytical quantitative cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 159 students were recruited using total sampling. Data were collected using a 25-item closed-ended multiple-choice questionnaire and analyzed using univariate analysis, the Chi-Square test, and Spearman’s rho correlation analysis. Most students demonstrated a good overall knowledge level, with 73 respondents (45.9%) categorized as having good knowledge, 44 respondents (27.7%) having sufficient knowledge, and 42 respondents (26.4%) having poor knowledge. Attendance at radiology lectures and experience in radiology practice were significantly associated with knowledge level (both p < 0.001), whereas age (p = 0.754) and sex (p = 0.165) were not significantly associated. A strong and significant positive correlation was identified between knowledge of X-ray radiation and knowledge of anemia risk (r = 0.698; p < 0.001). This study evaluated students’ knowledge and understanding rather than actual radiation exposure, hemoglobin levels, or clinical anemia status. In conclusion, students generally demonstrated good knowledge; however, understanding of anemia risk should be further strengthened through structured radiation safety education and practical training.

References

Alyami, S. H. H., Alsharyah, S. M. M., Almutarid, A. F. M., Alrizq, S. M. A., Alyami, J. M. H., Althaiban, H. A. M., Alsalaiman, H. A. F., Algarea, H. M. J., & Alqashanin, S. M. A. (2025). Evaluating The Short-And Long-Term Effects Of Medical And Environmental Radiation Exposure On Population Health: A Global Evidence-Based Review Of Risks, Monitoring, And Mitigation Approaches. The Review of Diabetic Studies, 543–555.

Chandramohan, A., Krothapalli, V., Augustin, A., Kandagaddala, M., Thomas, H. M., Sudarsanam, T. D., Jagirdar, A., Govil, S., & Kalyanpur, A. (2024). Teleradiology and technology innovations in radiology: status in India and its role in increasing access to primary health care. The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia, 23.

Chinelo, O. V, Chukwuka, E., Ifeoma, A. C., Umeh, I., Okoro, C., & Peterson, J. C. (2022). Causes of anemia due to diminished red blood cell production in pediatrics. Int J Sci Adv, 3(5), 711–718.

Di Maria, S., Van Nijnatten, T. J. A., Jeukens, C., Vedantham, S., Dietzel, M., & Vaz, P. (2024). Understanding the risk of ionizing radiation in breast imaging: Concepts and quantities, clinical importance, and future directions. European Journal of Radiology, 181, 111784.

Eddy, N. O., Eze, I. S., Garg, R., Akpomie, K., Udoekpote, G., Timothy, C. L., Ucheana, I. A., & Paktin, H. (2025). Exploration of health effects, economic impacts, and regulatory challenges for ionizing radiation: a case study in Nigeria. Discover Applied Sciences, 7(6), 575.

Feller, G., Ramiah, D., Mahomed, F., Feller, L., & Khammissa, R. A. G. (2025). Radiotherapy and Its Consequences in Relation to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma—A Narrative Review. Radiation, 5(3), 26.

Folaranmi, O. E., Okonji, K. S., Lawal, F. O., & Lawal, G. F. (2026). Environmental contaminants, microbial dysbiosis, and hematological disorders: From soil and water to the bloodstream. J. Mater. Environ. Sci., 17 (5), 828, 865.

Hidayat, R., Sari, D. P., & Lestari, A. (2020). The level of knowledge of medical students about the risks of X-ray radiation. Journal of Medical Health, 12(3), 145–152.

Iolascon, A., Andolfo, I., Russo, R., Sanchez, M., Busti, F., Swinkels, D., Aguilar Martinez, P., Bou?Fakhredin, R., Muckenthaler, M. U., & Unal, S. (2024). Recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Hemasphere, 8(7), e108.

International Commission on Radiological Protection. (2021). The 2020 recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. ICRP Publication.

Leung, A. K. C., Lam, J. M., Wong, A. H. C., Hon, K. L., & Li, X. (2024). Iron deficiency anemia: an updated review. Current Pediatric Reviews, 20(3), 339–356.

Lin, R. Y., Larsen, A., & Gowin, K. (2026). Integrative Therapies for Radiation-Related Toxicities in Hematological Malignancies. Seminars in Radiation Oncology, 38, 151034.

Lopes, R., Teles, P., & Santos, J. (2025). A systematic review on the occupational health impacts of ionising radiation exposure among healthcare professionals. Journal of Radiological Protection, 45(2), 21002.

Mainprize, J. G., Yaffe, M. J., Chawla, T., & Glanc, P. (2023). Effects of ionizing radiation exposure during pregnancy. Abdominal Radiology, 48(5), 1564–1578.

Marques, O., Weiss, G., & Muckenthaler, M. U. (2022). The role of iron in chronic inflammatory diseases: from mechanisms to treatment options in anemia of inflammation. Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 140(19), 2011–2023.

Ng, W. T., & Newson Smith, M. (2022). Hematological disorders. Textbook of Occupational Medicine Practice. 5th Ed. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing, 285–310.

Obeagu, E. I. (2026). Hematologic Fallout: A Review of Anemia in Communities Exposed to Gas Flaring and Petrochemical Pollution. IOASD Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3(2), 64–72.

Raja, S. M. N., Othman, S. A., & Roslan, R. M. (2023). A short review on the imaging technology in radiation therapy. E-Jurnal Penyelidikan Dan Inovasi, 108–122.

Rayan, A. M., Adam, A., Al-Arabi, G., & Ahmed, M. R. (2025). The applications of X-ray technology in medical imaging: advances, challenges, and future perspectives (A review). Journal of Sustainable Food, Water, Energy and Environment, 1(2), 39–61.

Rincón, G., González, Y., & Sánchez, C. (2024). Risk perception among workers exposed to ionizing radiation: a qualitative view. Radioprotection, 59(3), 173–183.

Rodrigues, B. V, Lopes, P. C., Mello-Moura, A. C., Flores-Fraile, J., & Veiga, N. (2024). Literacy in the scope of radiation protection for healthcare professionals exposed to ionizing radiation: a systematic review. Healthcare, 12(20), 2033.

Sari, N., Putra, A., & Wulandari, F. (2021). Health students' knowledge of radiation safety. Journal of Health Education, 10(2), 76–83.

Talapko, J., Talapko, D., Katalini?, D., Kotris, I., Eri?, I., Beli?, D., Vasilj Mihaljevi?, M., Vasilj, A., Eri?, S., & Flam, J. (2024). Health effects of ionizing radiation on the human body. Medicina, 60(4), 653.

Witeska, M., Kondera, E., & Bojarski, B. (2023). Hematological and hematopoietic analysis in fish toxicology—A review. Animals, 13(16), 2625.