Assessment of Saudi Arabian Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety

Abstract

Patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) require safety measures that need to be reflected in nurses’ practice during patients’ care. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of and attitudes about MRI safety standards among nurses in Saudi Arabia. Using a cross-sectional study design, a convenience sample of 105 nurses from 2 government hospitals and multiple primary health centers was included in the study. A three-part self-designed questionnaire was used to assess nurses’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitude. Data were analyzed using a chi-square test and the odds ratio to assess the significance level. The majority of the sample was female, aged 20–29, with bachelor’s degrees. Around half of the sample (51%) showed an intermediate level of knowledge regarding MRIs. However, the attitude was positive among 77% of the sample, meaning that most of the nurses strongly adhered to MR standards. A significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge and attitudes indicates that their adherence to safe practice is strongly associated with their level of knowledge. Nurses have limited knowledge about MRI and moderate adherence to MRI safety procedures.