Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Radiology Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A National Multicentre Study.

AIM: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among nurses working in radiology departments across Saudi Arabia and to identify independent predictors of MRI safety knowledge.

DESIGN

A national multicentre cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A national multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted among 153 radiology nurses using a structured self-administered questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics and MRI safety-related KAP. Descriptive statistics summarized the response distributions. Inferential analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA and multiple linear regression to determine the predictors of knowledge scores.

RESULTS

High correct response rates were observed for operational safety items, including metallic object screening (95.4%), projectile hazards (87.6%), MRI-compatible equipment use (90.2%) and hearing protection requirements (85.6%) (all p < 0.0001). Conceptual gaps were identified: only 54.9% correctly recognized that MRI does not use ionizing radiation, and 51.6% correctly understood that pregnant staff are not automatically prohibited from working in MRI departments. Attitude and practice responses showed strong agreement across items (p < 0.0001). Knowledge scores differed significantly by age group (p = 0.017), hospital sector (p = 0.039), daily MRI patient contact (p < 0.001) and formal MRI safety training (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, older age, daily MRI patient contact and formal MRI safety training remained independent predictors of knowledge scores, with the model explaining 21.6% of the variance (R2 = 0.216).

CONCLUSION

Radiology nurses demonstrated strong self-reported MRI safety practices and positive safety attitudes; however, selected conceptual knowledge gaps remain. Structured and periodic MRI safety education may strengthen radiology nursing competency and support institutional MRI safety performance.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.