Data from a Cross-sectional Survey of Radiographers on Gonadal Shielding practices in Kuwait

Purpose: The role of gonadal contact shielding (GCS) in digital radiography (DR) is increasingly debated due to evolving guidelines and technological advancements. This study assesses radiographers' practices, knowledge, and perceptions of GCS in emergency units in Kuwait and explores how education, professional experience, and patient demographics influence adherence to GCS guidelines.
Methods: An online survey was conducted among radiographers working in public hospitals emergency units in Kuwait. Data were analysed using SPSS 26, with descriptive statistics and inferential tests to analyse the collected data.
Results: A total of (n = 124/173) radiographers participated (72% response rate). 68.55% of radiographers reported always using GCS. The primary reason cited for GCS use was to reduce radiation exposure to reproductive organs, reported by 79.03% of participants. 78.23% claimed that GCS adherence primarily was guided by local protocols. 73.39% of radiographers reported using GCS equally across all male age groups, and 68.55% did so for female age groups. However, shielding was more commonly applied in younger patients, particularly toddlers (29.03% for males, 25.00% for females) and adolescents (25.81% for males, 29.03% for females), with a notable decline in GCS use for elderly patients. These findings indicate that while gender had less influence overall, age was a key determinant in shielding decisions. Education significantly influenced knowledge and compliance, with postgraduate training linked to higher adherence (p = 0.026). Male radiographers reported higher knowledge and more frequent GCS use than females (p = 0.030). No statistically significant association was found between years of professional experience and overall adherence to GCS guidelines
Conclusion: While GCS remains widely practiced in Kuwait, adherence varies based on education, experience, and gender. The findings highlighted the need for clearer guidance, enhanced training, and standardised policies to ensure evidence-based GCS application in DR.