Abstract:
Background: A Computed tomography is diagnostic imaging modalities that use a
combination of X-radiation and computer technology to produce images. It is the most
common source of radiation dose in clinical setups and could lead to various health
problems. Effective dose is protection quantity used, for estimating stochastic effects.
However, there are no sufficient studies about the level of computed tomography radiation
dose, and associated factors both in Sidama region and across the country.
Objectives: To assess the effective radiation dose level and identify the associated factors in
routine computed tomography examination of adult patients in Sidama Region, Ethiopia.
Materials and Methods: Facility based cross sectional study was conducted from September
06, 2024 to October 27, 2024 at selected hospitals in Sidama region, Ethiopia. Systematic
random sampling technique was used and data was collected from 761 samples via excel.
The data was exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Multivariable linear regression
analysis was performed to identify the factors affecting the radiation dose.
Results: The mean effective radiation dose of chest and abdomen-Pelvis computed
tomography examination were 3.23 and 7.38 mSv respectively. Tube current product
[β=0.65; 95% CI: (0.56, 0.735)], tube potential [β=0.19; 95% CI: (0.11, 0.262)], scan range
[β=0.28; 95% CI: (0.223, 0.336)], pitch [β=-0.27; 95% CI:(-.384,-0.16)] were factors
associated with chest computed tomography dose. Tube current product [β=0.84; 95% CI:
(0.763, 0.922)], slice thickness [β=-0.16; 95%CI:(-0.23, -0.09)], and scan range [β=0.136;
95%CI: (0.07, 0.2)] were factors associated with abdomen-pelvis computed tomography dose
Conclusions: The effective radiation dose during routine computed tomographic
examinations were lower compared with other studies. Chest examinations with high weight,
tube potential, tube current product, scan range and low pitch and abdomen-pelvis
examinations with high height, body mass index, tube current product, scan range and thin
slice and in patient referrals are associated with high radiation dose.
Recommendations: Applying low tube potential, tube current product, short scan range,
high pitch during routine chest and low tube current product, short scan range, thick slice
during routine abdomen-pelvis computed tomography examinations reduces radiation dose.
