Perception of Physicians' Knowledge Regarding Guidelines and Clinical Practice in Prescribing Diagnostic Imaging Exams at a Hospital in Luanda, Angola

Abstract

This study aimed to assess physicians' perceptions of their knowledge of guidelines and clinical practice in prescribing imaging exams. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2025 at the Military Hospital in Luanda, Angola. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, the link to which was shared in several WhatsApp groups of physicians. The chi-square or Fisher's exact test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. A total of 109 physicians participated in the study, 53.2% were women, with a mean age of 35.8±7.7 years and 78.0% were resident physicians. Of those, 51.4% had never heard of the guidelines, and 60.6% had inadequate knowledge regarding questions about the exams that use ionizing radiation. Specifically, 33.9% and 19.3% incorrectly stating that computed tomography and radiography, respectively, do not use ionizing radiation, and 34.9% incorrectly stating that magnetic resonance imaging does use it, without significant differences between being a specialist or resident, or having specific training in prescribing imaging exams or in radiation protection. A major investment in training and awareness among physicians is necessary to avoid the indiscriminate and incorrect use of imaging exams, service overload, and increased healthcare costs.

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