Patients’ perceptions and attitude towards MRI safety in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

Figures & data

Table 1 Social Characteristics of Participants

Variables	Frequency	Percent %
Gender
Male	103	72.5
Female	39	27.5
Age groups
< 20 years	4	2.8
20–29 years	39	27.5
30–39 years	33	23.2
40–49 years	34	23.9
50–59 years	28	19.7
> 60 years	4	2.8
Average age = 31 ± 4 years
Marital status
Single	44	31.0
Married	98	69.0
Level of education
Primary & middle school	16	11.3
Higher secondary school	26	18.3
Diploma	28	19.7
Bachelor’s degree	68	47.9
Master’s degree	4	2.8

Figure 1 Association of claustrophobia with the gender.

Table 2 Knowledge of Patients Towards MRI Safety

Questions	n (%)
Q1: Are you aware of the patient preparation guidelines before MRI procedures?
Yes	27 (19)
No	115 (81%)
Q2: Are you aware of the MRI zones?
Yes	100 (70.4%)
No	42 (29.6%)
Q3: Do you know the types of radiation used in MRI?
Yes	29 (20.4%)
No	113 (79.6%)
Q4: Do you know the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation?
Yes	16 (11.3%)
No	126 (88.7%)
Q5: Do you know the difference between MRI-compatible and MRI-incompatible devices?
Yes	21(14.8%)
No	121 (85.2%)
Q6: Are you aware of the noise produced by the MRI scanner?
Yes	76 (53.5%)
No	66 (46.5%)
Q7: If there are no patients, do you think that the MRI scanner is on?
Yes	44 (31.0%)
No	98 (69.0%)
Q8: Do you know the adverse reactions to MRI contrast agents?
Yes	34 (23.9%)
No	108 (76.1%)
Q9: Are you aware of why patients undergoing MRI with contrast agents must have their creatinine levels (glomerular filtration rate or GFR) checked?
Yes	45 (31.7%)
No	96 (67.6%)
Q10: Can a pregnant woman be scanned by MRI?
Yes	28 (19.7%)
No	114 (80.3%)
Q11: Can a pregnant woman be giving an MRI contrast agent?
Yes	12 (8.5%)
No	130 (91.5%)

Table 3 The Total Knowledge Score Against Various Socio-Demographic Data

Variables		Mean Knowledge Score
Gender	Male	0.28 ± 0.26
	Female	0.31 ± 0.25
Age groups	20–29 years	0.35 ± 0.35
	30–39 years	0.30 ± 0.25
	40–49 years	0.20 ± 0.15
	50–59 years	0.26 ± 0.19
Marital status	Single	0.37 ± 0.33
	Married	0.21 ± 0.31
Education level	Primary & middle school	0.19 ± 0.13
	Higher secondary school	0.27 ± 0.26
	Diploma	0.27 ± 0.23
	Bachelor	0.38 ± 0.34
Overall mean knowledge score = 0.29 ± 0.25

Table 4 Assessment of Study-Participant Attitudes About MRI Safety

Questions	n(%)
Q12: Have you had done an MRI scan before?
Yes	100%
No	0
Q13: Have you read or heard about the MRI safety procedures?
Yes	100 (70.4%)
No	42 (29.6%)
Q14: Do you think family members should be screened before entering the scan room?
Yes	94 (66.2%)
No	48 (33.8%)
Q15: Do you think children should be questioned in the presence of parents or guardians?
Yes	114 (80.3%)
No	28 (19.7%)
Q17: Did the technologist assure you that you would be monitored at all times?
Yes	102 (71.8%)
No	40 (28.2%)

Table 5 The Total Attitude Score Against Various Socio-Demographic Data

Variables		Mean Attitude Score
Gender	Male	0.6581 ± 0.22
	Female	0.68 ± 0.19
Age groups	20–29 years	0.66 ± 0.19
	30–39 years	0.67 ± 0.23
	40–49 years	0.66 ± 0.21
	50–59 years	0.68 ± 0.18
	> 60 years	0.64 ± 0.25
Marital status	Single	0.71 ± 0.19
	Married	0.65 ± 0.21
Education level	Primary & middle school	0.59 ± 0.24
	Higher secondary school	0.69 ± 0.18
	Diploma	0.66 ± 0.21
	Bachelor’s degree	0.71 ± 0.18
Mean attitude score = 0.67 ± 0.20