scholarly journals Referral Physicians’ Knowledge of Radiation Dose: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (E) ◽  
pp. 582-588
Author(s):  
Mohammad Rawashdeh ◽  
Charbel Saade ◽  
Ali Ibnian ◽  
Ziad Bataineh ◽  
Dana S. Al Mousa ◽  
...  

AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of referring physicians of general practitioners, residents, and medical specialists in Jordan and the Middle East on radiation dose and its impact on vulnerable patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Institutional Review Board approved this study before data collection. A cross-sectional study employed questionnaire that was distributed to respondents (n = 293) of general practitioners, residents, specialists, and therapists. The questionnaire consisted of 29 questions. Nine questions concerned with demographics and the remaining 20 questions were divided into five sections: Radiation dose, ionizing radiation, pediatric radiation, pregnant women radiation, and radiation risks. The mean score was computed out of 20. Chi-squared test of independence was utilized to analyze each question. To compare the responses between the demographic variables groups, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were used. RESULTS: Out of the 293 respondents, 128 (43.7%) were aware of radiation. The average score of the questionnaire was 9.5 out of 20 (47.5%). Within each section, the level of knowledge varied. Physicians had the highest level of knowledge in radiation risk (85.7%) followed by ionizing radiation (62.1%). The questionnaire revealed lower levels of knowledge in the areas of pediatric radiation, pregnant women radiation, and radiation dose. The percentages of respondents, (with fair to good level of knowledge), were 47.1%, 34.5%, and 24.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study were consistent with previous studies that demonstrated a poor level of general knowledge in referring physicians regarding radiation dose, ionizing radiation, pediatric radiation, pregnant women radiation, and radiation risks.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saran Tenzin Tamang ◽  
Thinley Dorji ◽  
Sonam Yoezer ◽  
Thinley Phuntsho ◽  
Phurb Dorji

Abstract Background The third Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 development agenda aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Pregnant women’s understanding of danger signs is an important factor in seeking timely care during emergencies. We assessed knowledge of obstetric danger signs using both recall and understanding of appropriate action required during obstetric emergencies. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bhutan’s largest hospital in Thimphu. Recall was assessed against seven obstetric danger signs outlined in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (7 points). Understanding of danger signs was tested using 13 multiple choice questions (13 points). Knowledge was scored out of 20 points and reported as ‘good’ (≥80%), ‘satisfactory’ (60–79%) and ‘poor’ (< 60%). Correlation between participant characteristics and knowledge score as well as number of danger signs recalled was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Association between knowledge score and participant characteristics was tested using t-tests (and Kruskal-Wallis test) for numeric variables. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the level of knowledge ('good’ versus ‘satisfactory’ and ‘poor’ combined) were assessed with odds ratios using a log-binomial regression model. All results with p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results Four hundred and twenty-two women responded to the survey (response rate = 96.0%). Mean (±SD) knowledge score was 12 (±2.5). Twenty women (4.7%) had ‘good’ knowledge, 245 (58.1%) had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge and 157 (37.2%) had ‘poor’ knowledge. The median number of danger signs recalled was 2 (IQR 1, 3) while 68 women (20.3%) could not recall any danger signs. Most women were knowledgeable about pre-labour rupture of membranes (96.0%) while very few women were knowledgeable about spotting during pregnancy (19.9%). Both knowledge score and number of danger signs recalled had significant correlation with the period of gestation. Women with previous surgery on the reproductive tract had higher odds of having ‘good’ level of knowledge. Conclusions Most pregnant women had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge score with poor explicit recall of danger signs. However, women recognized obstetric emergencies and identified the appropriate action warranted.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Summer Williams ◽  
George Bruxner ◽  
Emma Ballard ◽  
Alka Kothari

Abstract Background: The decision of whether to prescribe antidepressants (AD) and anxiolytics (AX) to pregnant women is complex, with serious potential ramifications. Clinicians’ perception of the risk of teratogenicity significantly influences their prescribing decisions and in turn impacts maternal decision making. Our cross-sectional study sought to discern differences in perceived risk between Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (O&Gs) and General Practitioners (GPs) when prescribing these medications in pregnancy. Furthermore, we investigated factors impacting perception, clinicians’ willingness to prescribe and their approach to provision of patient information. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted via a nation-wide online SurveyMonkey extended to Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) database-derived affiliates: GP diplomates, fellows and trainees (5409 survey invitations: 545 respondents). O&Gs and GPs were compared using Pearson Chi-squared test for categorical variables and the Student t-test for continuous variables. Results: GPs reported higher rates of being aware of up-to-date medication prescription recommendations (57.6%) compared with O&Gs (44.2%). GPs also reported higher rates of training adequacy in psychotropic prescription (56.1% versus 29.0%). There was evidence to suggest GPs level of confidence in knowledge base, initiation and prescription of AD and AX was higher than those of O&Gs. The mean perception of patient non-compliance was similar between clinician groups (approximately 35%), but GPs perceived the extent of patient anxiety as higher compared to O&Gs (mean 73.7% (SD 21.3) versus 63.1% (SD 24.1), p<0.001). Both groups showed a strong preference for improved training rather than patient-focused technology (above 70% for both groups). Conclusion: Further development of clinician training in perinatal psychotropic prescription is warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
A. A. Dabilgou ◽  
A. Dravé ◽  
J. M. A. Kyelem ◽  
A. Zoma ◽  
C. Napon ◽  
...  

Background. Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterized by severe headache attacks that may be debilitating. The objective of this study is to determine the knowledge and attitudes of general practitioners in the hospital districts of the city of Ouagadougou on migraine. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out in hospital districts of Ouagadougou. The data were collected during three months from February 1 to April 30, 2020. Results. The study included 116 general practitioners. Thirteen percent of them were suffering from migraine. All participants had previous experience with migraine diagnosis before the survey. Eighty percent of general practitioners had a good level of knowledge of ICDH-3 criteria (knowing 6-7 criteria). The most widely recognized IHS criteria were pulsatility quality (93.1%), photophobia or sonophobia (80.2%), and mild-to-moderate intensity (80%). Ninety-five (81.9%) general practitioners rarely ordered brain imaging. The most common acute treatments were nonsteroidal inflammatory drug (39.47%), paracetamol (44.74%), and derivate of ergot (3.95%). The most common preventive treatments were amitriptyline (27.8%), derivate of ergot (18.9%), and NSAID (16.7%). The majority of general practitioners (56.9%) have referred headache patients to a colleague or specialist. Conclusions. Our study found that diagnostic criteria and acute treatment of migraine were well known by the majority of general practitioners, in contrast of preventive treatment.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
NAZLI Nur ASLAN ÇİN ◽  
Ayşe Özfer ÖZÇELİK

Abstract Background: Iodine is an crucial micronutrient for fetal brain development, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. The level of knowledge about iodine among pregnant women has not been previously evaluated in Trabzon city where is an endemic area of iodine deficiency in the Blacksea region of Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge about iodine nutrition during pregnancy among pregnant women living in an endemic goiter area of Turkey. Methods: One hundred fifty pregnant women between ages 19-45 years who applied to Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic in Trabzon were recruited. This cross-sectional study was conducted with one hundred and fifty pregnant women between the ages of 19-45 who applied to Trabzon Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic. Research data were collected using questionnaire forms and face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire form consisted of questions determining the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, their previous pregnancy data, iodized salt consumption habits, and knowledge about iodine. Results: Although 68% of women know that iodine deficiency can cause serious consequences during pregnancy, about 30% did not know the problems caused by iodine deficiency. Three main dietary source of iodine in Turkey, fish, milk and dairy products and table salt are 68.0%, 20.0% and 77.3% of them correctly identified as good sources, respectively. The mean iodine knowledge score of the participants was 8.5±4.5. Higher educated pregnant women had significantly higher knowledge scores (p<.05). However, age, trimester, parity and those who had received information about iodine and iodine knowledge score between no significant differences (p>.05). Conclusion: This study revealed that lack of knowledge about iodine in pregnant women living in an endemic goiter area of Turkey. Furthermore, pregnants also had limited knowledge about the most important dietary iodine sources that can meet their daily iodine requirements. The necessity of public education initiatives to improve iodine knowledge in the pregnant population is evident for healthier future generations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saran Tenzin Tamang ◽  
Thinley Dorji ◽  
Sonam Yoezer ◽  
Thinley Phuntsho ◽  
Phurb Dorji

Abstract Background: The third Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 development agenda aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Pregnant women’s understanding of danger signs is an important factor in seeking timely care during emergencies. We assessed knowledge of obstetric danger signs using both recall and understanding of appropriate action required during obstetric emergencies. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bhutan’s largest hospital in Thimphu. Recall was assessed against seven obstetric danger signs outlined in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (7 points). Understanding of danger signs was tested using 13 multiple choice questions (13 points). Knowledge was scored out of 20 points and reported as “good” (≥80%), “satisfactory” (60 – 79%) and “poor” (<60%). Correlation between participant characteristics and knowledge score as well as number of danger signs recalled was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Association between knowledge score and participant characteristics were tested using t-tests (and Kruskal-Wallis test) for numeric variables. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the level of knowledge (“good” versus “satisfactory and poor” combined) were assessed with odds ratios (OR) using a log-binomial regression model. All results with p < 0.05 were considered significant.Results: Four hundred and twenty-two women responded to the survey (response rate = 96.0%). Mean (±SD) knowledge score was 12 (±2.5). Twenty women (4.7%) had “good knowledge”, 245 (58.1%) had “satisfactory knowledge” and 157 (37.2%) had “poor knowledge”. The median number of danger signs recalled was 2 (IQR 1, 3) while 68 (20.3%) women could not recall any danger signs. Most women were knowledgeable about pre-labour rupture of membranes (96.0%) while very few women were knowledgeable about spotting during pregnancy (19.9%). Both knowledge score and number of danger signs recalled had significant correlation with the period of gestation. Women with previous surgery on the reproductive tract had higher odds of having good level of knowledge. Conclusions: Most pregnant women had satisfactory knowledge score with poor explicit recall of danger signs. However, women recognized obstetric emergencies and identified the appropriate action warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-17
Author(s):  
Esra Hoşoğlu ◽  
◽  
Berkan Şahin ◽  
Bedia Sultan Önal ◽  
Sema Baki Yıldırım ◽  
...  

Introduction. Infectious outbreaks have negative effects not only on the physical health of the society but also on the mental health. Aim. To evaluate the anxiety states and knowledge of COVID-19 during the pandemic in pregnant women. Material and methods. Cross-sectional study conducted in a university hospital in Turkey. A total of 199 pregnant women were included in the study. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), two questionnaires to evaluate the knowledge about COVID-19, and COVID-19-related anxiety were applied to all the women. Results. The highest level of COVID-19-related anxieties were about their spouses or newborns contracting COVID-19, effects of drugs on fetus and contracting COVID-19 during delivery. There was a negative correlation between gestational week and the questionnaire of COVID-19-related anxieties (r=-0.152, p=0.037). STAI total score was 76.48±14.11, and STAI-T scores (42.39±7.66) were higher than STAI-S scores (34.09±8.77). Although their general knowledge about the disease was relatively good, their level of knowledge on issues that pertained specifically to pregnancy was low. Conclusion. These findings indicated more than four months had passed since the pandemic came to the country but, pregnant women were very worried and did not have enough information about the disease.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 347-355
Author(s):  
Haytham Al Ewaidat ◽  
Xiaoming Zheng ◽  
Yousef Khader ◽  
Kelly Spuur ◽  
Mostafa Abdelrahman ◽  
...  

The study aims to assess the level of patients’ awareness and knowledge regarding radiation and dosage along with the associated risks from computed tomography (CT) scan. This cross-sectional study used questionnaires, which were distributed to the diagnostic imaging departments of six large local hospitals in Jordan between September 2014 and March 2015. A total of 600 patients completed the questionnaire, out of which, 52.33% of respondents were female and 47.6% male. The findings show insignificant effects of gender on patient’s knowledge ( P = .596) and significant effect of employment and profession on positive scores ( P = .000). Similarly, no statistical differences were found between gender and correct answers ( P = .707). This cohort of patients demonstrated a lack of awareness and knowledge about the use of ionizing radiation for diagnostic imaging. Thus, there may exist a similar lack of information that will require imaging professionals to raise patients’ awareness and offer them the appropriate information.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Summer Williams ◽  
George Bruxner ◽  
Emma Ballard ◽  
Alka Kothari

Abstract Background: The decision of whether to prescribe antidepressants (AD) and anxiolytics (AX) to pregnant women is complex, with serious potential ramifications. Clinicians’ perception of the risk of teratogenicity significantly influences their prescribing decisions and in turn impacts maternal decision making. Our cross-sectional study sought to discern differences in perceived risk between Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (O&Gs) and General Practitioners (GPs) when prescribing these medications in pregnancy. Furthermore, we investigated factors impacting perception, clinicians’ willingness to prescribe and their approach to provision of patient information. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted via a nation-wide online SurveyMonkey extended to Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) database-derived affiliates: GP diplomates, fellows and trainees (5409 survey invitations: 545 respondents). O&Gs and GPs were compared using Pearson Chi-squared test for categorical variables and the Student t-test for continuous variables. Results: GPs reported higher rates of being aware of up-to-date medication prescription recommendations (57.6%) compared with O&Gs (44.2%). GPs also reported higher rates of training adequacy in psychotropic prescription (56.1% versus 29.0%). There was evidence to suggest GPs level of confidence in knowledge base, initiation and prescription of AD and AX was higher than those of O&Gs. The mean perception of patient non-compliance was similar between clinician groups (approximately 35%), but GPs perceived the extent of patient anxiety as higher compared to O&Gs (mean 73.7% (SD 21.3) versus 63.1% (SD 24.1), p<0.001). Both groups showed a strong preference for improved training rather than patient-focused technology (above 70% for both groups). Conclusion: Further development of clinician training in perinatal psychotropic prescription is warranted. Keywords : psychotropics, teratogenicity, pregnant, prescribing, foetal, perception


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Summer Williams ◽  
George Bruxner ◽  
Emma Ballard ◽  
Alka Kothari

Abstract Background: The decision of whether to prescribe antidepressants (AD) and anxiolytics (AX) to pregnant women is complex, with serious potential ramifications. Clinicians’ perception of the risk of teratogenicity significantly influences their prescribing decisions and in turn impacts maternal decision making. Our cross-sectional study sought to discern differences in perceived risk between Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (O&Gs) and General Practitioners (GPs) when prescribing these medications in pregnancy. Furthermore, we investigated factors impacting perception, clinicians’ willingness to prescribe and their approach to provision of patient information. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted via a nation-wide online SurveyMonkey extended to Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) database-derived affiliates: GP diplomates, fellows and trainees (5409 survey invitations: 545 respondents). O&Gs and GPs were compared using Pearson Chi-squared test for categorical variables and the Student t-test for continuous variables. Results: GPs reported higher rates of being aware of up-to-date medication prescription recommendations (57.6%) compared with O&Gs (44.2%). GPs also reported higher rates of training adequacy in psychotropic prescription (56.1% versus 29.0%). There was evidence to suggest GPs level of confidence in knowledge base, initiation and prescription of AD and AX was higher than those of O&Gs. The mean perception of patient non-compliance was similar between clinician groups (approximately 35%), but GPs perceived the extent of patient anxiety as higher compared to O&Gs (mean 73.7% (SD 21.3) versus 63.1% (SD 24.1), p<0.001). Both groups showed a strong preference for improved training rather than patient-focused technology (above 70% for both groups). Conclusion: Further development of clinician training in perinatal psychotropic prescription is warranted.


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