Saudi Arabian Health Workers’ Perception and Attitudes Toward Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety

Abstract

The knowledge of health workers about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety is essential to ensure patients' safety and comfort, achieve a smooth workflow, and save valuable scan time. The aim of this study was to determine the perception and attitudes of health workers toward MRI safety. A cross-sectional online survey of 194 health workers was conducted between March 27th and April 3rd, 2020. The survey instrument consisted of demographic characteristics, including 15 items on knowledge and 7 items on attitudes on perception and toward MRI safety in Aseer province, Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, binary logistic regression, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted. The overall knowledge score of the health workers was 60% and the attitude score was 71.4% for the perception of MRI safety. Participants in the age group of 30-39 years were more aware of MRI basic knowledge than other age groups. Nurses were more likely to be aware of basic MRI knowledge than physicians and dentists (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.11–5.04) and (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI = .96–9.73). Health workers having a Ph.D., master's, or bachelor's degree were more likely aware of basic MRI knowledge than were those with a diploma (AOR = 7, 95%, CI = 1.39–35.35, AOR = 8.17, 95% CI = 1.23–51.40, and AOR = 2.66, 95% CI = .97–7.29, respectively). Participants in the age group of 30-39 years were more aware of MRI safety than were those in the age group of 50- to 59 years (AOR = 4.60, 95% CI = .67–31.76). Nurses were significantly more aware of MRI safety than were other health workers (OR = 4.60, 95% CI = .67–31.76). The education level of health workers had no significant impact on perception of MRI safety (OR< 1). The knowledge score of MRI safety for nurses was significantly higher than the score of dentists, physicians, and laboratory specialists (p-value = .005). The attitude score showed no significant difference regarding the gender, age, profession, or education level of the participants (p-value >0 .05). The results highlighted the importance of training and higher studies for health workers regarding the perception and attitudes toward MRI safety. The overall knowledge of MRI safety and procedures is generally acceptable; however, more intensive health education programs are needed to improve the level of knowledge.