ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF MEDICAL PHYSICS AND HEAVY PARTICLE THERAPY AMONG YOUTH IN NORTH MACEDONIA
Redona BEXHETI, Sara KNEZHEVIKJ, Mimoza FEJZULLAHI IZAIRI
Abstract
This study examines the awareness and understanding of medical physics and heavy particle therapy among young people aged 15 to 30 in North Macedonia. Medical physics plays a vital role in modern healthcare, particularly in diagnostic imaging and advanced cancer treatments such as proton and carbon ion therapy. Despite its growing global significance, public awareness of this field remains limited, especially in developing countries. To address this knowledge gap, a structured survey was conducted with approximately 503 respondents from diverse regions. The results revealed a significant deficiency of awareness and limited formal education on medical physics. However, the study also highlighted a strong interest in learning more about these topics, indicating potential for educational development. The paper concludes with practical recommendations to incorporate medical physics into the national curriculum and enhance public understanding of modern medical technologies.
Pages: 471 - 482