Establishment of a local diagnostic reference level for computed tomography chest and abdomen in two different cities in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Spiral computed tomography (CT) scans, which are considered a high-contrast resolution, quick and cross-sectional imaging technique, have grown in popularity as a result of technological advancements. However, these advancements have brought with them the potential for significantly increased radiation doses to the patient. Consequently, many organizations recommended optimization and establishing diagnostic reference levels. The aim of the current study was to assess CT radiation dose and propose a local diagnostic reference level (LDRL) for the adult trunk [chest and abdomen] using CT dose parameters such as CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) as well as to compare the practices for aforementioned examinations between two hospitals in Taif and Abha cities in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 428 patients (216 for abdomen and 212 for chest) who were examined in two hospitals in Taif and Abha City in Saudi Arabia from December 2022 to March 2023, are used in this study. The data for hospitals in Taif and Abha are presented as 'T' and 'A' throughout this manuscript. The parameters of exposure and slice thickness were recorded in a specially designed data sheet together with the gender, age and patients morphometric. Microsoft Excel version 2010 was used to analyze results and plot the figures. The LDRL was achieved from the third quartile of CTDIvol and DLP for each hospital and examination. RESULTS: The average DLP (mGy-cm) and CTDIvol (mGy) for the chest and abdomen were 243 mGy cm, 5.8 mGy and 549 mGy cm, 8.6 mGy respectively. The average effective dose (ED) for chest and abdomen were 5.10 and 21.10 mSv, respectively. The proposed LDRL for the chest and abdomen were 6.9 mGy (CTDIvol), 375 mGy-cm (DLP), 7.8 mGy (CTDIvol), and 747 (DLP) mGy-cm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hospital 'A' irradiated patients with a higher dose for the abdomen exam than Hospital 'T', but both hospitals agreed on the amount of radiation dose received by patients for chest imaging. The proposed LDRL for two examinations was less than the DRL obtained from the literature.

Ultrasound Imaging in Subjects with Sickle Cell Disease: The Saudi Arabia Experiences.

Background: Abdominal organ sonography is a crucial part of the workup for treating sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the abdominal organs in SCD patients using ultrasonography. Methodology: A non-interventional descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Asir region Saudi Arabia from April 2019 to July 2020. The study was conducted in 78 patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Data were gathered using a data collection sheet included demographic information, clinical information including medication types, and complications linked to SCD. Furthermore, the study evaluated abdominal ultrasound findings pertaining to the liver, gall bladder, spleen, and kidneys. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: More than half of the study participants 43 (55.1%) were females. About 53.8% of the study participants received blood transfusions, and (11.5%) receive extra-vaccine. Concerning ultrasound findings, hepatomegaly was found in seventeen (21.8%), focal liver lesions in four (5.1%), gallstones in five (6.4%), splenomegaly in fifteen (19.3%), and the presence of splenic focal lesions was found in seven (9.0%). The most frequent complication associated with SCD was osteomyelitis sepsis in six cases (7.7%). The study revealed a significant correlation between the type of crisis and type of medication used and the size of the spleen (P-value <0.01), and no notable correlation was found between the types of crises and the size of the liver (P-value >0.05). Conclusion: Abdominal sonography in SCD patients revealed a wide range of alterations in the liver, gallbladder, and spleen. The most frequently observed complications in SCD were hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, localized lesions in both organs, and the presence of gallstones.

Investigation of the Radiographer's adherence and compliance with radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography.

Radiological staff, especially radiographers, work as front liners against the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aims to assess compliance with radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography procedures. This cross-sectional study included 234 radiographers (females, 56%, n = 131; males, 44%, n = 103) who were asked to complete an online questionnaire consisting of demographic data, radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 portable cases, and knowledge and awareness. After informed consent was completed, SPSS statistical software was used for the data analysis. The most common age group of participants ranged from 18 to 25 years old (30.3%, n = 71). Bachelor's degree holders were 74.4% (n = 174). Most radiographers (39.7%, n = 93) had a working experience of 1-5 years, followed by 27.8% (n = 65) with more than 16 years of experience. Most respondents (62.4%, n = 146) handled approximately 1-5 cases daily, the majority of them (56%, n = 131) stated affirmatively they had obtained special training to handle COVID-19, and when inquired if they had received any special allowances for handling COVID-19 suspected/confirmed cases most of them stated negative (73.9%, n = 173). Most participants stated that they always wear a TLD during portable cases (67.1%, n = 157) and a lead apron (51.7%, n = 121). Around 73% (n = 171) knew the latest information on COVID-19 and attended the COVID-19 awareness course. A significant association was found between the work experience of the radiographers and their responses to following the best practices (p = 0.018, α = 0.05). Radiographers who had COVID-19 training (µ = 48.78) tend to adhere more to best practices than those who have not (p = 0.04, α = 0.05). Further, respondents who handled more than 16/more COVID-19 suspected/confirmed cases followed the best practices more (µ = 50.38) than those who handled less (p = 0.04, α = 0.05). This study revealed detailed information on radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography. It has been observed that the participants/radiographers have good knowledge and awareness of radiation protection and infection-control practices. The present results may be used to plan future requirements regarding resources and training to ensure patient safety.

The Impact of Post-traumatic Stress of SARS-CoV-2 Affliction on Psychological and Mental Health of Student Survivors: Cross Sectional Study.

Background: COVID-19 survivor's population is often associated with a long term impact on mental and psychological health. Recent included studies have also stated affliction of mental health due to fear of virus and preventive policies among the college students. Objectives: The research was conducted to find the psychological and mental impacts of SARS-CoV-2 affliction among the students' survivors in the university. Methods: The study design of the experiment was cross-sectional, sampling technique was non probability and sampling method being applied was convenience sampling. IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 was used for analyses. Descriptive data was examined and results were showed as mean and standard deviations, percentages, frequencies for continuous variables of IES-R scale (Intrusion, Avoidance, and Hyperarousal) using the total sample of n = 34. Results: Out of 34 only 24 student survivors responded to the online survey post COVID-19 recovery, with an overall participation level of 71%. Grading was given for the total IES-R score which was subdivided into a predefined range. Out of 24 participants, 9 (38%) participants showed the symptoms of mild (n = 2)-severe (n = 7) psychological impacts. On correlation of factors total IES-R score and taste and sense of smell were moderately correlated. The ordinal regression for complete loss of sense of taste and smell was also significant. Conclusion: The results from IES-R evaluation clearly outlines the presence of psychological sequels post recovery of COVID-19 episodes among the young college survivors. Complete loss of sense of smell and taste may be an indicator of psychological sequelae as compared to reduce sense of smell.

Evaluation of Post-Vaccination Symptoms of Two Common COVID-19 Vaccines Used in Abha, Aseer Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) and the Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) COVID-19 vaccines have shown promising safety and acceptability. However, COVID-19 vaccine side effects play an essential role in public vaccine confidence. We aimed to study the side effects of these COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS: A randomized, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between March and May of 2021. In total, 330 participants among the King Khalid University community in the Aseer region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported their side effects following the COVID-19 vaccine. A questionnaire was designed and validated to collect the participants' demographic data and COVID-19-related symptoms after COVID-19 vaccine injection. RESULTS: Symptoms associated with COVID-19 were reported by 226 participants (68.5%). The most common side effects reported by the participants were fever (n = 136, 41.2%), fatigue (n = 119, 36.1%), headache (n = 86, 24.2%), malaise (n = 121, 36.7%), myalgia (n = 121, 36.7%), and muscle and joint pain (n = 76, 23%). Of the participants, 5.1% became infected with COVID-19 after vaccination. Symptoms were significantly more common in males than in females (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The incidence of COVID-19 vaccination side effects in the Aseer region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was consistent with the manufacturers' data. The most common post-vaccination symptoms reported by the participants were fever, myalgia, malaise, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headache. The results of this study showed significant variation in adverse events between Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. Healthcare providers and recipients of vaccines can be more confident about the safety of Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Concerning COVID-19 Among Undergraduate Students of Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences at King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Surveyed Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has exerted great efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This research aims to scrutinize the outlook, awareness, and customs of Saudi undergraduate students regarding COVID-19. METHODS: The current cross-sectional study comprises 178 undergraduate students in the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences. The data were collected from online Google form questionnaires. The differences were picked out of the questionnaires, and the mean scores of the differences were duly assessed. The variables associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 were evaluated; moreover, a comparative study was conducted on these variables in different faculty departments. ANOVA, Student's t-test, and binary logistic regression analysis were used to assess the data on knowledge, attitude, and practice. RESULTS: Most of the undergraduate students were well acquainted with COVID-19. We obtained the mean knowledge score for COVID-19 to be 3.08 ± .82 (range: 1-5), indicating good knowledge. The attitude means the score was 3.02 ± .61 (range: 0-4), implying good positive attitudes. On assessing the mean score of practices, it was found 5 ± .47 (range: 0-7), pointing towards perfect practices. There were no significant differences between males and females regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward COVID-19 (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Students of Applied Medical Sciences are knowledgeable about COVID-19. Health education programs should be focused on protection and safety from COVID-19 for Applied Medical Sciences students, especially Medical Rehabilitation Sciences and Radiology. Hand hygiene awareness programs must be conducted for undergraduate students. Infection control should be part of the undergraduate applied for medical sciences curriculum program.

Radiology Community Attitude in Saudi Arabia about the Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Radiology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad, umbrella term that encompasses the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence. The aim of this study is to assess the radiology community's attitude in Saudi Arabia toward the applications of AI. METHODS: Data for this study were collected using electronic questionnaires in 2019 and 2020. The study included a total of 714 participants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics (version 25). RESULTS: The majority of the participants (61.2%) had read or heard about the role of AI in radiology. We also found that radiologists had statistically different responses and tended to read more about AI compared to all other specialists. In addition, 82% of the participants thought that AI must be included in the curriculum of medical and allied health colleges, and 86% of the participants agreed that AI would be essential in the future. Even though human-machine interaction was considered to be one of the most important skills in the future, 89% of the participants thought that it would never replace radiologists. CONCLUSION: Because AI plays a vital role in radiology, it is important to ensure that radiologists and radiographers have at least a minimum understanding of the technology. Our finding shows an acceptable level of knowledge regarding AI technology and that AI applications should be included in the curriculum of the medical and health sciences colleges.

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

PURPOSE: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi patients toward the safety of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 142 Saudi patients at King Khalid hospital, Asir, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a self-questionnaire based on MRI safety issues gained from the literature. The questionnaire was divided into two sections, one containing the respondents' sociodemographic information and the other assessing their knowledge and attitudes toward participating in MRI. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients responded to the survey, and their average age was 31.5 ± 4 years. The majority were married and held a bachelor's degree. The mean knowledge score regarding MRI safety was 0.29 ± 0.25, which reflects poor knowledge, whereas the attitude score was 0.67 ± 0.20, reflecting a moderately positive attitude. Awareness and attitude among patients improved as education levels increased. Finally, only 53.5% of the respondents were aware of the noise produced by the MRI scanner. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the awareness of MRI safety among patients in the Asir Region is poor, although they showed positive attitudes toward the issue. Thus, education is necessary for patients to improve awareness of MRI safety to facilitate MRI examinations, which will help decrease scan time and image artefacts.

Screening for thyroid diseases among students of applied medical sciences at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the occurrence rate of thyroid ultrasound abnormalities in asymptomatic subjects, and describe the features of detected nodules among university students. METHODS: The study is based on an observational research design that was conducted from April 2015 to May 2015. The study included 166 individuals, aged between 19 and 23 years. The subjects had their glands examined by ultrasound (US) scanning, using Philips ultrasound machine (5-12 MHz linear transducer). RESULTS: We recruited 90 (57.8%) females and 76 (42.2%) males without any indications of thyroid disease. Data estimated that 41 (24.7%) subjects had positive results on thyroid disease screening, 24 (70.6%) participants had solitary nodules, and 10 (29.4%) had multiple nodules. Thirty-four subjects revealed nodular presentation in the screening, among which 24 (70.6%) indicated solitary nodules and 10 (29.4%) had multiple nodules. Among 3 subjects, who indicated hypoechoic nodules, 2 (66.7%) underwent US-fine needle aspiration biopsy and received histological confirmation that they had papillary carcinomas. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a useful and effective technique for screening thyroid related diseases, and can be utilized as a routine practice for general population screening.