Radiation Awareness Among Patients Undergoing X-Ray Examination at Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Sokoto State

Patient awareness of radiation in diagnostic imaging has direct implications for informed consent, compliance with radiation protection instructions, and rational decision-making about imaging investigations. In Sokoto State, North West Nigeria, where health literacy levels vary considerably across the population and access to radiology information is limited, patient awareness of diagnostic radiation merits systematic documentation. This study assesses the level of radiation awareness among patients undergoing X-ray examinations at Specialist Hospital Sokoto. A cross-sectional survey is conducted among 260 consecutive adult patients attending the radiology department for plain radiographic examinations, using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire translated into Hausa. The questionnaire assesses awareness of radiation exposure during X-rays, perceived risk levels, knowledge of radiation protection measures available to patients, and attitudes toward radiological investigations. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests are computed in SPSS. Available radiation literacy literature from North West Nigeria identifies significant overestimation of X-ray radiation risk among patients, alongside poor awareness of specific radiation protection entitlements, as the dominant radiation knowledge profile. The Health Belief Model and the risk communication theory framework provide the analytical reference for interpreting patient perceptions. Findings are expected to reveal low factual awareness alongside high perceived risk, creating irrational avoidance of clinically indicated examinations. Recommendations address patient radiation information leaflets in Hausa, routine verbal radiation justification communication by radiographers, and a structured patient radiation awareness improvement programme at Specialist Hospital Sokoto. Keywords: radiation awareness, patient education, X-ray, Sokoto State, North West Nigeria.