Assessment of the knowledge and attitude regarding magnetic resonance imaging safety among the general population in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge and attitude of the Saudi general population toward MRI safety and investigate the association between different participants' characteristics and their knowledge and attitude toward MRI safety. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included adult male and female Saudi participants. An online, self-administered questionnaire was designed and disseminated using social media. The knowledge and attitude scores were calculated. The percentage of correct responses for each participant was computed. The participant with a percentage of correct responses above 50% was considered to have adequate knowledge/attitude. Results: The study included 385 responses from the participants. The median knowledge score was 6. The median attitude score was 13. Having a medical profession, receiving information and history of undergoing MRI scan were significantly associated with adequate knowledge. Multivariate analysis revealed that secondary school education, university education, post-graduate studies and medical profession were significantly associated with a higher probability of having an adequate attitude. Conclusions: Nearly half the patients had adequate knowledge and 86% exhibited a good attitude regarding MRI safety.Both knowledge and attitude had a significant association with having a medical profession.