Article

Evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the justification of radiological examinations among general practitioners in Morocco

¹ Materials and Subatomic Physics Laboratory, Faculty of sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
² Radiotherapy Department, National Institute of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco

^* Corresponding author: ilham.harbaj@uit.ac.ma

Received: 4 September 2024
Accepted: 24 November 2024

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate Moroccan general practitioners’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the justification of radiological exams and to identify the factors influencing these practices. A total of 367 general practitioners completed a 44-item questionnaire. Data analysis used independent t-tests, ANOVAs, Pearson correlations, and multiple regressions. The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 6.41 ± 1.36 out of 12, 3.79 ± 0.42 out of 5, and 3.38 ± 0.42 out of 5, respectively. Practice scores varied statistically significantly by gender (p = 0.004), age (p = 0.000), work experience (p = 0.000), workplace (p = 0.010), and training (p = 0.011). Unexpectedly, physicians who had not received radiation protection training outperformed those who had. There were significant positive correlations between scores for knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.566, p < 0.001), knowledge and practices (r = 0.547, p < 0.001), and attitudes and practices (r = 0.517, p < 0.001). The factors influencing justifying radiological examinations were knowledge, attitudes, gender, and age. The study revealed insufficient knowledge and practice despite a positive attitude towards the rationale for radiological examinations. These results underline the need to reevaluate and improve existing training programs. We recommend focusing on practical cases and real-life clinical scenarios while developing ongoing training and support tools tailored to the local context.