Abstract
Background: Iodinated contrast media are commonly used in radiographic investigations. However, adverse events may occur in rare cases with their use. Raising the level of knowledge of the general population towards the types, rate and severity of these events can minimize their fears.
Objective: Asses the level of knowledge and attitude of the general population of Najran city towards adverse events of iodinated contrast.
Design and Setting: The cross sectional study was the study design. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire that was distributed electronically to the general population. The questionnaire included a section on sociodemographic data and a quiz assessing the level of knowledge and attitude towards the adverse events associated with using iodinated contrast media.
Statistical analysis: Data were represented in terms of frequencies and valid percentages for categorical variables. Mean, standard deviations (SD), minimum and maximum values were used to describe numerical variable. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare numerical variables between subgroups.
Results: The weighed mean score for attitude was 47.57 out of 60 points, while average score for knowledge was 3.85 out of 6 points. Females and middle-aged adults showed better knowledge compared to their male peers (p=0.046) compared to other age groups (p<0.001). Also, previous exposure to contrast showed a positive effect on attitude (p<0.001), while the opposite occurred with knowledge scores. Finally, employment (p=0.001) and high monthly income (p=0.034) were associated with better knowledge and attitude towards adverse events of iodinated contrast.
Conclusion: Level of knowledge of Saudi Arabian population and attitude towards the adverse events of iodinated contrast needs to be improved. Further studies are required in other regions in Saudi Arabia in order to have complete figures for the whole Saudi population.