Radiography, widely used for diagnostic purposes, represents a major source of exposure to ionizing radiation in children, a population particularly sensitive to the biological effects of radiation. Despite its widespread use, no study has previously assessed pediatric exposure to ionizing radiation in Senegal. This study was therefore conducted to measure and analyze exposure levels during routine radiographic examinations at the Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was carried out from January 1 to June 30, 2022, within the radiology and medical biology departments. Demographic data and anatomical regions examined were collected from radiology registers. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2016 and analyzed with RStudio version 4.1.2. A total of 2820 children were included, with a median age of 4.35 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1.58. The [0-5 years [and [5-10 years [age groups were the most represented, accounting for 53.2% and 30.5% of cases, respectively. Chest and lower limb radiographs were the most frequently performed examinations across all age groups, with a higher exposure frequency observed in boys. These findings indicate that children undergo a substantial number of radiographic examinations, which may increase stochastic radiation effects. Therefore, strict application of radiological protection principles by radiologists and referring physicians is essential.
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Radiography is a widely used medical imaging technique for diagnostic purposes. Although the dose of ionizing radiation (IR) delivered during a radiographic examination is generally considered low, its high frequency of use makes it one of the main sources of exposure to ionizing radiation in medical imaging
[1]
United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation, Volume II: Scientific Findings on the Effects of Radiation Exposure of Children. Annex B. UNSCEAR 2013 Report. New York, USA, 2013.
[1]
.
Long-term epidemiological studies, particularly those conducted among survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as among occupationally exposed radiation workers, have established an association between exposure to ionizing radiation and an increased risk of carcinogenesis, as well as the occurrence of fetal malformations
[2]
Little M P. Cancer and non-cancer effects in Japanese atomic bomb survivors. Journal of Radiological Protection. 2009, 29(2A), A43.
CoglianoV. J, Baan R, Straif K, Freeman C et al. Preventable exposures associated with human cancers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2011, 103(24), 1827-1839.
In 2006, the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) reported that the lifetime risk of solid cancer following exposure during childhood is estimated to be two to three times higher than that observed in the general population
[4]
United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation, Volume I: Report to the General Assembly. Annex A: Medical Radiation Exposures. UNSCEAR 2008 Report. New York, USA, 2008.
[4]
. This increased vulnerability of the pediatric population is mainly related to the radiosensitivity of developing tissues and to a longer life expectancy.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.6 billion diagnostic imaging examinations are performed worldwide each year, of which nearly 350 million involve children under the age of 15
[5]
World Health Organization. To X-ray or not to X-ray. Available from:
. These data highlight the importance of pediatric radiation protection in the context of healthcare delivery.
Despite the major clinical benefits of radiography, concerns remain regarding the potential health risks associated with repeated exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly in children. To date, no study has evaluated pediatric exposure levels in diagnostic radiography in Senegal. Therefore, the present study aims to measure and analyze ionizing radiation exposure levels in pediatric patients undergoing radiographic examinations at the Diamniadio Children’s Hospital.
2. Patients and Methods
This study was conducted in the radiology department of the Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. It was a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study carried out over a six-month period. The study population included all children aged 0 to 15 years who attended the radiology department with a request for an X-ray examination. Children with missing age or sex information, as well as those who underwent more than one radiological projection, were excluded from the study.
Data were collected from patient registers and entered into a computerized database. Data entry was performed using Microsoft Excel 2016, and statistical analyses were conducted using RStudio software.
3. Results
3.1. Age and Sex Distribution
A total of 2820 children aged between 0 and 15 years were included at the time of the radiological examination. Among them, 53.20% were exposed to X-rays before the age of 5 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.58, with a predominance of males, who accounted for 61.31% of the study population (Table 1).
Table 1. Distribution of patients by age group and sex.
Age group (years)
Male
Female
Total
[0-5]
917
583
1500
[5-10]
528
332
860
[10-15]
284
176
460
Total
1729
1091
2820
3.2. Distribution of Radiological Examinations by Age Group and Sex
The figures below present the distribution of radiological examinations according to age group and sex. The number of examinations was not uniformly distributed across age groups and, to a lesser extent, between sexes. The [0-5 years [age group was the most exposed to X-rays in both sexes, including 3.33% during the neonatal period (0-28 days), followed by the [5-10 years [age group (30.49%). Overall, boys were more frequently exposed to X-rays than girls across all age groups.
Figure 2. Distribution of radiological procedures by age in girls.
3.3. Distribution by Department
The distribution of radiology requests by department was as follows: General Surgery (38.30%), Outpatient Clinic (31.56%), Emergency Department (24.46%), Pediatric Ward (3.55%), Neonatology (1.78%), and ENT (0.35%).
Figure 3. Distribution of radiology requests by department.
3.4. Distribution of Diagnostic Imaging Procedures by Explored Anatomical Region
The distribution of radiographic examinations by explored anatomical region is shown in Figure 4. The number of procedures is indicated for each anatomical region. Chest radiography was the most frequently performed examination, accounting for 50.35% of all X-ray procedures. The remaining examinations represented 49.65% of the total.
Figure 4. Distribution of Radiological Examinations According to Anatomical Region Examined.
3.5. Distribution of Conventional Radiology Procedures by Anatomical Region According to Age and Sex
The distribution of conventional radiology procedures varies markedly with the child’s age. Chest radiographs were the most frequent in children under 4 years, accounting for over 52% of procedures. Their frequency decreased with age, representing 29.5% in children aged 5-9 years and 27.6% in those aged 10-15 years. In contrast, limb radiographs were rare in children under 5 years but became increasingly common in older children, with upper and lower limb examinations together comprising the majority of procedures from age 6 onwards.
Pelvic and hip examinations were performed at relatively consistent rates across age groups, except in children over 9 years, for whom this region ranked as the second most frequently examined (≈18%). Abdominal and cranial radiographs were less common but consistently observed across all ages. Overall, chest radiography demand was highest in children under 5 years.
Sex-specific analysis indicated that the predominance of chest radiographs in boys was most pronounced in the under-5 age group, while in girls, the most commonly examined regions were, in descending order, chest, upper limbs, abdomen, and pelvis/hips.
Figure 5. Distribution of Conventional Radiology Examinations by Anatomical Region According to Age and Sex of the Child.
4. Discussion
A total of 2820 radiological procedures were performed during the study period on children under 16 years of age attending the radiology department. When compared with the 22100 children who visited the hospital during the same period (January-June 2022), this corresponds to a rate of 13.30 radiological procedures per 1000 children. This average could be extrapolated to the broader pediatric hospital population in Senegal and serve as a useful indicator of children’s exposure to medical ionizing radiation (excluding therapeutic use).
Fetuses and children are more sensitive to ionizing radiation (X-rays) than adults. In their growing bodies, the high number of mitotic cells increases radiosensitivity. Due to their small body size, critical organs are often within the primary beam or significantly affected by scattered radiation. Furthermore, their long life expectancy allows sufficient time for the lengthy carcinogenesis process to manifest
[6]
Espelid I, Mejare I, Weerheijm K. EAPD guidelines for use of radiographs in children. European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. 2003, 1, 40-48.
[6]
. Indeed, this latency period ranges from seven to ten years for the development of radiation-induced leukemia or solid tumors
[7]
Faure C, Laugier A, Lescrainier J, Naudy S. Dose evaluation during radiographic examinations of the pelvis in pediatrics. Journal de Radiologie. 1983, 6(3), 177-181.
[7]
.
In our study population, 61% of patients were boys, resulting in a male-to-female sex ratio of 1.58. This is higher than the ratio reported by N’dakena et al.
[8]
N’dakena K, Adjenou K V, Agoda-Koussema LK. La radiographie thoracique standard dans la pratique de la radiopédiatrie: à propos de 102 cas colligés aux CHU de Lomé [Standard chest radiography in pediatric radiology practice: a study of 102 cases collected at the University Hospitals of Lomé]. Journal Africain d’Imagerie Médicale. 2006, 2(2), 102-109.
[8]
, which was 1.12. The mean age of our patients was 4.35 years, ranging from day 1 of life to 15 years. The most represented age group was 0-5 years, accounting for 53.2% of patients. Our results are not directly comparable to many studies on exposure levels in conventional radiography conducted in the sub-region, which reported 32%
[9]
Mbo Amvene J, Daoba J, Soumaya B, Kouong J, et al. Evaluation de la dose d’entrée des rayons X lors de la radiographie du thorax en pédiatrie [Evaluation of entrance surface dose from X-rays during pediatric chest radiography]. Health Sciences and Disease. 2017, 18(1).
[9]
and 39%
[10]
Sawadogo A, Koueto F, Sanou I, Dao L et al. La staphylococcie pleuro-pulmonaire du nourrisson en milieu hospitalier à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) [Pleuropulmonary staphylococcal infection in infants in a hospital setting in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso]. Cahiers Santé. 1999, 9(4), 209-213.
[10]
, respectively. This difference can be explained by the larger sample size (2,840 patients) and younger age range (0-5 years) in our study compared with those of Sawadogo and Mbo
[9]
Mbo Amvene J, Daoba J, Soumaya B, Kouong J, et al. Evaluation de la dose d’entrée des rayons X lors de la radiographie du thorax en pédiatrie [Evaluation of entrance surface dose from X-rays during pediatric chest radiography]. Health Sciences and Disease. 2017, 18(1).
[10]
Sawadogo A, Koueto F, Sanou I, Dao L et al. La staphylococcie pleuro-pulmonaire du nourrisson en milieu hospitalier à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) [Pleuropulmonary staphylococcal infection in infants in a hospital setting in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso]. Cahiers Santé. 1999, 9(4), 209-213.
[9-10]
. This relatively young age underscores the need for heightened vigilance, as numerous epidemiological studies have shown that cancer risk is inversely proportional to age at the time of exposure to ionizing radiation
[11]
Clapuyt P. Comment réduire les doses d’irradiation en radiologie conventionnelle ? [How to reduce radiation doses in conventional radiology?] Journal Belge de Radiologie. 1995, 78, 245-249.
[11]
.
In children, the risk of radiation-induced cancer is approximately four times higher than in adults and varies with age at exposure. Leukemia risk is highest before age 10, thyroid cancer before age 20, and breast cancer between ages 10 and 19. Several studies have documented increased incidence of thyroid cancer following childhood thyroid irradiation
[12]
Halle J. Lessons we have learned from our children: cancer risks from diagnostic radiology. Pediatric Radiology. 2002, 32(10), 700-706.
Our study also showed that children aged 0-5 years were the most frequently exposed to ionizing radiation, with exposure rates more than three times higher than those of children aged 10-15 years. This difference may be explained by the vulnerability of children in this age group to infectious, skeletal, nutritional, and other conditions (including ingestion of toxic substances or foreign bodies) as well as the diagnosis of genetic diseases. These conditions represent major indications for radiological examinations for diagnosis, follow-up, and detection of complications.
Boys were generally more exposed than girls, particularly in the 0-5-year age group. This sex difference in very young children is likely related to higher neonatal mortality in boys compared with girls in developing countries. Several authors, including Cantagrel
[13]
Cantagrel S, Ducroq S, Chedeville G, Marchand S et al. La mortalité dans un hôpital pédiatrique: étude rétrospective sur six ans [Mortality in a pediatric hospital: a six-year retrospective study]. Archives de Pédiatrie. 2000, 7, 725-731.
Koura A, Hounnou G M, Voyeme Aka, Goudote E et al. Mortalité à la clinique universitaire de chirurgie pédiatrique du CNHU de Cotonou du 1er juillet 1989 au 31 décembre 1993 [Mortality at the University Clinic of Pediatric Surgery of the CNHU of Cotonou from July 1, 1989 to December 31, 1993]. Médecine d’Afrique Noire. 1995, 460-465.
[14]
, and Ndour et al.
[15]
Ndour O, Faye Fall A, Alumeti D, Fall M et al. Facteurs de mortalité néonatale dans le service de chirurgie pédiatrique du CHU Aristide Le Dantec de Dakar [Neonatal mortality factors in the pediatric surgery department of CHU Aristide Le Dantec in Dakar]. Mali Médical. 2009, 24(1).
[15]
, have observed similar patterns without establishing a direct link between sex and mortality. It is reasonable to assume that the higher incidence of neonatal pathologies in boys results in a greater number of imaging procedures.
The high number of radiological procedures in very young children carries significant radiobiological risks. Children are much more sensitive to ionizing radiation than adults. Studies of atomic bomb survivors showed that the risk of leukemia per unit dose was 5-10 times higher for exposures before age 5, with excess risk persisting over several decades. The latency for solid tumors is also shorter for exposures occurring during childhood compared with later life exposures
[16]
Preston D L, Shimizu Y, Pierce D A, Mabuchi K et al. Studies of mortality of atomic bomb survivors. Report 13: solid cancer and non-cancer disease mortality: 1950-1997. Radiation Research. 2003, 160(4), 381-407.
. Children’s long life expectancy further increases the likelihood of developing cancer.
Additionally, for a given procedure, the absorbed dose is higher in children than adults due to smaller body size and closer proximity of organs
[17]
Shu X O, Jin F, Linet M S, Gao Y T et al. Diagnostic X-ray and ultrasound exposure and risk of childhood cancer. British Journal of Cancer. 1994, 70, 531-536.
. These characteristics justify prioritizing consideration of long-term risks of cancer and leukemia following medical exposure to ionizing radiation during childhood.
In this study, chest radiographs represented the main source of exposure in girls. Cohort studies of individuals undergoing multiple childhood radiographs for tuberculosis or scoliosis follow-up have demonstrated a dose-dependent increased risk of breast cancer in adulthood
[18]
Ronckers C, Land C, Miller J, Doody M et al. Cancer mortality among women frequently exposed to radiographic examinations for spinal disorders. Radiation Research. 2010, 174, 83-90.
Stochastic effects result from chromosomal DNA alterations compatible with cell survival and vary according to cell type: carcinogenesis in somatic cells or heritable genetic alterations in germ cells
[20]
Cordoliani Y S, Foehrenbach H. Eds. Radioprotection en milieu médical: Principes et mise en pratique [Radiation protection in medical practice: principles and practical applications]. 2nd ed. Paris, France: Masson; 2008.
[20]
. Cancer risk is higher in females due to the radiosensitivity of breast tissue, which is included in the exposure field during chest X-rays and CT scans. Specific protective measures should be applied to these populations
[21]
Cordoliani Y S. Parlons dose, il est grand temps…[Let’s talk dose: it’s high time…]. Journal de Radiologie. 2007, 88, 329-330.
Advances in medical imaging, including the implementation of digital detectors and improved radiation protection, have helped reduce the doses delivered during radiological examinations. Nevertheless, overall exposure remains high due to the increasing number of procedures, particularly in children and neonates. Our study conducted at the National Children’s Hospital of Diamniadio demonstrated that pediatric radiology procedures are frequent and highlight the increased radiobiological risk in children.
Based on these findings, the implementation of radiation protection measures recommended by the ICRP and the IAEA should be accompanied by ongoing training and awareness programs for all healthcare professionals. Prescribing physicians should limit the routine ordering of radiographic examinations in order to minimize exposure of radiosensitive regions in children.
Abbreviations
ENT
Ear, Nose and Throat
DNA
DeoxyriboNucleic Acid
CT
Computed Tomography
ICRP
International Commission on Radiological Protection
IAEA
International Atomic Energy Agency
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
References
[1]
United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation, Volume II: Scientific Findings on the Effects of Radiation Exposure of Children. Annex B. UNSCEAR 2013 Report. New York, USA, 2013.
[2]
Little M P. Cancer and non-cancer effects in Japanese atomic bomb survivors. Journal of Radiological Protection. 2009, 29(2A), A43.
CoglianoV. J, Baan R, Straif K, Freeman C et al. Preventable exposures associated with human cancers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2011, 103(24), 1827-1839.
United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation, Volume I: Report to the General Assembly. Annex A: Medical Radiation Exposures. UNSCEAR 2008 Report. New York, USA, 2008.
[5]
World Health Organization. To X-ray or not to X-ray. Available from:
Espelid I, Mejare I, Weerheijm K. EAPD guidelines for use of radiographs in children. European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. 2003, 1, 40-48.
[7]
Faure C, Laugier A, Lescrainier J, Naudy S. Dose evaluation during radiographic examinations of the pelvis in pediatrics. Journal de Radiologie. 1983, 6(3), 177-181.
[8]
N’dakena K, Adjenou K V, Agoda-Koussema LK. La radiographie thoracique standard dans la pratique de la radiopédiatrie: à propos de 102 cas colligés aux CHU de Lomé [Standard chest radiography in pediatric radiology practice: a study of 102 cases collected at the University Hospitals of Lomé]. Journal Africain d’Imagerie Médicale. 2006, 2(2), 102-109.
[9]
Mbo Amvene J, Daoba J, Soumaya B, Kouong J, et al. Evaluation de la dose d’entrée des rayons X lors de la radiographie du thorax en pédiatrie [Evaluation of entrance surface dose from X-rays during pediatric chest radiography]. Health Sciences and Disease. 2017, 18(1).
[10]
Sawadogo A, Koueto F, Sanou I, Dao L et al. La staphylococcie pleuro-pulmonaire du nourrisson en milieu hospitalier à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) [Pleuropulmonary staphylococcal infection in infants in a hospital setting in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso]. Cahiers Santé. 1999, 9(4), 209-213.
[11]
Clapuyt P. Comment réduire les doses d’irradiation en radiologie conventionnelle ? [How to reduce radiation doses in conventional radiology?] Journal Belge de Radiologie. 1995, 78, 245-249.
[12]
Halle J. Lessons we have learned from our children: cancer risks from diagnostic radiology. Pediatric Radiology. 2002, 32(10), 700-706.
Cantagrel S, Ducroq S, Chedeville G, Marchand S et al. La mortalité dans un hôpital pédiatrique: étude rétrospective sur six ans [Mortality in a pediatric hospital: a six-year retrospective study]. Archives de Pédiatrie. 2000, 7, 725-731.
Koura A, Hounnou G M, Voyeme Aka, Goudote E et al. Mortalité à la clinique universitaire de chirurgie pédiatrique du CNHU de Cotonou du 1er juillet 1989 au 31 décembre 1993 [Mortality at the University Clinic of Pediatric Surgery of the CNHU of Cotonou from July 1, 1989 to December 31, 1993]. Médecine d’Afrique Noire. 1995, 460-465.
[15]
Ndour O, Faye Fall A, Alumeti D, Fall M et al. Facteurs de mortalité néonatale dans le service de chirurgie pédiatrique du CHU Aristide Le Dantec de Dakar [Neonatal mortality factors in the pediatric surgery department of CHU Aristide Le Dantec in Dakar]. Mali Médical. 2009, 24(1).
[16]
Preston D L, Shimizu Y, Pierce D A, Mabuchi K et al. Studies of mortality of atomic bomb survivors. Report 13: solid cancer and non-cancer disease mortality: 1950-1997. Radiation Research. 2003, 160(4), 381-407.
Shu X O, Jin F, Linet M S, Gao Y T et al. Diagnostic X-ray and ultrasound exposure and risk of childhood cancer. British Journal of Cancer. 1994, 70, 531-536.
Ronckers C, Land C, Miller J, Doody M et al. Cancer mortality among women frequently exposed to radiographic examinations for spinal disorders. Radiation Research. 2010, 174, 83-90.
Cordoliani Y S, Foehrenbach H. Eds. Radioprotection en milieu médical: Principes et mise en pratique [Radiation protection in medical practice: principles and practical applications]. 2nd ed. Paris, France: Masson; 2008.
[21]
Cordoliani Y S. Parlons dose, il est grand temps…[Let’s talk dose: it’s high time…]. Journal de Radiologie. 2007, 88, 329-330.
Mamadou, S., Lama, K. N., Cheikh, S., Semou, D., Gagnessiry, C., et al. (2026). Assessment of Pediatric Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Diagnostic Radiography: A Study at Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. European Journal of Biophysics, 14(1), 8-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
Mamadou, S.; Lama, K. N.; Cheikh, S.; Semou, D.; Gagnessiry, C., et al. Assessment of Pediatric Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Diagnostic Radiography: A Study at Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. Eur. J. Biophys.2026, 14(1), 8-13. doi: 10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
Mamadou S, Lama KN, Cheikh S, Semou D, Gagnessiry C, et al. Assessment of Pediatric Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Diagnostic Radiography: A Study at Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. Eur J Biophys. 2026;14(1):8-13. doi: 10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
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author = {Soumboundou Mamadou and Kamara Ndeye Lama and Sall Cheikh and Diouf Semou and Cisse Gagnessiry and Sene Ndeye Awa and Ndiaye Maye and Mbaye Gora},
title = {Assessment of Pediatric Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Diagnostic Radiography: A Study at Diamniadio Children’s Hospital},
journal = {European Journal of Biophysics},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {8-13},
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abstract = {Radiography, widely used for diagnostic purposes, represents a major source of exposure to ionizing radiation in children, a population particularly sensitive to the biological effects of radiation. Despite its widespread use, no study has previously assessed pediatric exposure to ionizing radiation in Senegal. This study was therefore conducted to measure and analyze exposure levels during routine radiographic examinations at the Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was carried out from January 1 to June 30, 2022, within the radiology and medical biology departments. Demographic data and anatomical regions examined were collected from radiology registers. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2016 and analyzed with RStudio version 4.1.2. A total of 2820 children were included, with a median age of 4.35 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1.58. The [0-5 years [and [5-10 years [age groups were the most represented, accounting for 53.2% and 30.5% of cases, respectively. Chest and lower limb radiographs were the most frequently performed examinations across all age groups, with a higher exposure frequency observed in boys. These findings indicate that children undergo a substantial number of radiographic examinations, which may increase stochastic radiation effects. Therefore, strict application of radiological protection principles by radiologists and referring physicians is essential.},
year = {2026}
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Assessment of Pediatric Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Diagnostic Radiography: A Study at Diamniadio Children’s Hospital
AU - Soumboundou Mamadou
AU - Kamara Ndeye Lama
AU - Sall Cheikh
AU - Diouf Semou
AU - Cisse Gagnessiry
AU - Sene Ndeye Awa
AU - Ndiaye Maye
AU - Mbaye Gora
Y1 - 2026/02/09
PY - 2026
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
DO - 10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
T2 - European Journal of Biophysics
JF - European Journal of Biophysics
JO - European Journal of Biophysics
SP - 8
EP - 13
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2329-1737
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
AB - Radiography, widely used for diagnostic purposes, represents a major source of exposure to ionizing radiation in children, a population particularly sensitive to the biological effects of radiation. Despite its widespread use, no study has previously assessed pediatric exposure to ionizing radiation in Senegal. This study was therefore conducted to measure and analyze exposure levels during routine radiographic examinations at the Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was carried out from January 1 to June 30, 2022, within the radiology and medical biology departments. Demographic data and anatomical regions examined were collected from radiology registers. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2016 and analyzed with RStudio version 4.1.2. A total of 2820 children were included, with a median age of 4.35 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1.58. The [0-5 years [and [5-10 years [age groups were the most represented, accounting for 53.2% and 30.5% of cases, respectively. Chest and lower limb radiographs were the most frequently performed examinations across all age groups, with a higher exposure frequency observed in boys. These findings indicate that children undergo a substantial number of radiographic examinations, which may increase stochastic radiation effects. Therefore, strict application of radiological protection principles by radiologists and referring physicians is essential.
VL - 14
IS - 1
ER -
Biophysics Laboratory of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal;Medical Biology Laboratory, Diamniadio Children’s Hospital, Dakar, Senegal;Research Unit for Exploration and Diagnosis of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal
Biophysics Laboratory of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal;Research Unit for Exploration and Diagnosis of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal
Research Unit for Exploration and Diagnosis of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal;Organic Chemistry of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal
Department of Radiology, Diamniadio Children’s Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
Cisse Gagnessiry
Biophysics Laboratory of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal
Sene Ndeye Awa
Biophysics Laboratory of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal;Research Unit for Exploration and Diagnosis of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal
Biophysics Laboratory of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal;Research Unit for Exploration and Diagnosis of Health Sciences Faculty, Iba Der Thiam University, Thies, Senegal
Mamadou, S., Lama, K. N., Cheikh, S., Semou, D., Gagnessiry, C., et al. (2026). Assessment of Pediatric Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Diagnostic Radiography: A Study at Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. European Journal of Biophysics, 14(1), 8-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
Mamadou, S.; Lama, K. N.; Cheikh, S.; Semou, D.; Gagnessiry, C., et al. Assessment of Pediatric Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Diagnostic Radiography: A Study at Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. Eur. J. Biophys.2026, 14(1), 8-13. doi: 10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
Mamadou S, Lama KN, Cheikh S, Semou D, Gagnessiry C, et al. Assessment of Pediatric Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Diagnostic Radiography: A Study at Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. Eur J Biophys. 2026;14(1):8-13. doi: 10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
@article{10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12,
author = {Soumboundou Mamadou and Kamara Ndeye Lama and Sall Cheikh and Diouf Semou and Cisse Gagnessiry and Sene Ndeye Awa and Ndiaye Maye and Mbaye Gora},
title = {Assessment of Pediatric Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Diagnostic Radiography: A Study at Diamniadio Children’s Hospital},
journal = {European Journal of Biophysics},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {8-13},
doi = {10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ejb.20261401.12},
abstract = {Radiography, widely used for diagnostic purposes, represents a major source of exposure to ionizing radiation in children, a population particularly sensitive to the biological effects of radiation. Despite its widespread use, no study has previously assessed pediatric exposure to ionizing radiation in Senegal. This study was therefore conducted to measure and analyze exposure levels during routine radiographic examinations at the Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was carried out from January 1 to June 30, 2022, within the radiology and medical biology departments. Demographic data and anatomical regions examined were collected from radiology registers. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2016 and analyzed with RStudio version 4.1.2. A total of 2820 children were included, with a median age of 4.35 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1.58. The [0-5 years [and [5-10 years [age groups were the most represented, accounting for 53.2% and 30.5% of cases, respectively. Chest and lower limb radiographs were the most frequently performed examinations across all age groups, with a higher exposure frequency observed in boys. These findings indicate that children undergo a substantial number of radiographic examinations, which may increase stochastic radiation effects. Therefore, strict application of radiological protection principles by radiologists and referring physicians is essential.},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Assessment of Pediatric Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Diagnostic Radiography: A Study at Diamniadio Children’s Hospital
AU - Soumboundou Mamadou
AU - Kamara Ndeye Lama
AU - Sall Cheikh
AU - Diouf Semou
AU - Cisse Gagnessiry
AU - Sene Ndeye Awa
AU - Ndiaye Maye
AU - Mbaye Gora
Y1 - 2026/02/09
PY - 2026
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
DO - 10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
T2 - European Journal of Biophysics
JF - European Journal of Biophysics
JO - European Journal of Biophysics
SP - 8
EP - 13
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2329-1737
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ejb.20261401.12
AB - Radiography, widely used for diagnostic purposes, represents a major source of exposure to ionizing radiation in children, a population particularly sensitive to the biological effects of radiation. Despite its widespread use, no study has previously assessed pediatric exposure to ionizing radiation in Senegal. This study was therefore conducted to measure and analyze exposure levels during routine radiographic examinations at the Diamniadio Children’s Hospital. A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was carried out from January 1 to June 30, 2022, within the radiology and medical biology departments. Demographic data and anatomical regions examined were collected from radiology registers. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2016 and analyzed with RStudio version 4.1.2. A total of 2820 children were included, with a median age of 4.35 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1.58. The [0-5 years [and [5-10 years [age groups were the most represented, accounting for 53.2% and 30.5% of cases, respectively. Chest and lower limb radiographs were the most frequently performed examinations across all age groups, with a higher exposure frequency observed in boys. These findings indicate that children undergo a substantial number of radiographic examinations, which may increase stochastic radiation effects. Therefore, strict application of radiological protection principles by radiologists and referring physicians is essential.
VL - 14
IS - 1
ER -
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