Adel Al-Mallah1, Asokan G Vaithinathan2, Mahdi Al-Sehlawi1, Mariam Al-Mannai3. 1. Radiologic Technology Program, College of Health Sciences, University of Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain. 2. Public Health Program, College of Health Sciences, University of Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain. 3. Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Isa Town, Bahrain.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Between 20 to 50% of medical imaging examinations are considered inappropriate, and unnecessary ionizing radiation exposures may lead to cancer. We hypothesized that Bahraini patients who self-present for ionizing radiation procedures are not aware of, and lack the requisite knowledge of, the inherent risks associated with their use than patients prescribed for diagnostic purposes. We attempted to examine and compare the awareness and knowledge of the associated risks of ionizing radiation in common diagnostic radiological procedures between prescribed and self-presenting patients in Bahrain. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 416 Bahraini patients attending the radiology department of the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), a secondary health care center, who had been referred by primary care physicians or self-presented to the center. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Prescribed patients (n = 358) had a better awareness than self-presenting (n = 58) patients on all ionizing radiation awareness statements (i.e., risks, permissible levels, willingness to undergo the procedure, and preference for a clinical examination over a radiological procedure) (p < 0.050). Of the 10 knowledge statements, the prescribed patients agreed on four statements than the self-presenting patients: preventing or minimizing exposure improves health, people can prevent or minimize exposure, a lifelong health concern, and radiological procedures offer best diagnoses compared to medical tests or procedures (p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Bahraini patients who reported to SMC lack awareness and knowledge on ionizing radiation. The proportion of appropriate responses to awareness and knowledge questions were paltry for self-presenting patients and deficient for the prescribed patients in the knowledge segment alone.
OBJECTIVES: Between 20 to 50% of medical imaging examinations are considered inappropriate, and unnecessary ionizing radiation exposures may lead to cancer. We hypothesized that Bahraini patients who self-present for ionizing radiation procedures are not aware of, and lack the requisite knowledge of, the inherent risks associated with their use than patients prescribed for diagnostic purposes. We attempted to examine and compare the awareness and knowledge of the associated risks of ionizing radiation in common diagnostic radiological procedures between prescribed and self-presenting patients in Bahrain. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 416 Bahraini patients attending the radiology department of the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), a secondary health care center, who had been referred by primary care physicians or self-presented to the center. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Prescribed patients (n = 358) had a better awareness than self-presenting (n = 58) patients on all ionizing radiation awareness statements (i.e., risks, permissible levels, willingness to undergo the procedure, and preference for a clinical examination over a radiological procedure) (p < 0.050). Of the 10 knowledge statements, the prescribed patients agreed on four statements than the self-presenting patients: preventing or minimizing exposure improves health, people can prevent or minimize exposure, a lifelong health concern, and radiological procedures offer best diagnoses compared to medical tests or procedures (p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Bahraini patients who reported to SMC lack awareness and knowledge on ionizing radiation. The proportion of appropriate responses to awareness and knowledge questions were paltry for self-presenting patients and deficient for the prescribed patients in the knowledge segment alone.
Authors: Tyler W Barrett; Kristin L Rising; M Fernanda Bellolio; M Kennedy Hall; Aaron Brody; Kenneth W Dodd; Mira Grieser; Phillip D Levy; Ali S Raja; Wesley H Self; Gail Weingarten; Erik P Hess; Judd E Hollander Journal: Acad Emerg Med Date: 2016-11-25 Impact factor: 3.451
Authors: Richard L Kravitz; Robert A Bell; Rahman Azari; Edward Krupat; Steven Kelly-Reif; David Thom Journal: Med Care Date: 2002-01 Impact factor: 2.983
Authors: Hans-David R Hartwig; Joel Clingenpeel; Amy M Perkins; Whitney Rose; Joel Abdullah-Anyiwo Journal: Pediatr Emerg Care Date: 2013-06 Impact factor: 1.454
Authors: Paul R Sierzenski; Otha W Linton; E Stephen Amis; D Mark Courtney; Paul A Larson; Mahadevappa Mahesh; Robert A Novelline; Donald P Frush; Fred A Mettler; Julie K Timins; Thomas S Tenforde; John D Boice; James A Brink; Jerrold T Bushberg; David A Schauer Journal: J Am Coll Radiol Date: 2013-10-13 Impact factor: 5.532