# Assessing Awareness, Knowledge, Perceptions, and Safety Practices Among Patients Regarding MRI Scans in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study examines patients' awareness and safety practices regarding MRI scans in Saudi Arabia's Qassim region, finding significant knowledge gaps despite many feeling informed.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into MRI safety knowledge and perceptions in a specific regional population using social media-based data collection.

## Key findings

- Over half of participants believed they were knowledgeable about MRI risks, but less than half had received formal information.
- Internet was the primary source of MRI information for those who had received it.
- Most participants correctly identified common safe items for MRI exams, but demographic factors did not significantly influence knowledge levels.

## Abstract

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive radiological technique that generates detailed three-dimensional images of the body. While it offers advanced diagnostic capabilities, MRI poses potential risks, such as interactions with static magnetic fields and radiofrequency exposure, particularly when safety guidelines are not properly followed or outdated information is used.

Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional research design to assess patients' awareness, knowledge, perceptions, and safety regarding MRI scans in the Qassim region. A total of 412 participants were involved, and data were collected online through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, and Telegram. The data was then analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) to gain key insights.

Results: More than half of the participants (238, 57.8%) believed they were knowledgeable about MRI risks and safety requirements. The study further revealed that less than half (181, 43.9%) of the participants had received information about MRI risks and the necessary safety precautions for the examination, while 231 (56.1%) had not. Among those who received information, the most common source was the internet (100, 55.2%). Additionally, most participants were informed that clothes (289, 70.1%), paper (237, 57.5%), and plastic buttons (240, 58.3%) are safe items during MRI examinations. The socio-demographic variables, namely gender, age, education level, and employment status, did not show a statistically significant difference in relation to knowledge about MRI (p-value > 0.05).

Conclusion: The study found that while over half of participants felt informed about MRI risks and safety, there are still significant knowledge gaps. Most who had undergone an MRI felt their experiences increased their understanding. Demographic factors did not significantly affect knowledge levels. The findings suggest the need for targeted educational interventions, with online platforms and social media being effective tools for reaching a broader audience.