Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and encountered obstacles of Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) lung screening among family medicine residents in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional survey was performed over a sample of 202 family medicine residents in Riyadh city. A structured questionnaire consisted of 29 items was used to achieve the study objective. The Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the participants' responses. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the participants' responses to the questionnaire items. Results: The findings of the study showed that the recruited family physicians had adequate level of knowledge, neutral attitudes (2.55 +/- 0.90) regarding LDCT lung screening. In addition, it was found that discussing the benefits and risks of LDCT lung screening and ordering LDCT for lung screening were the most practiced aspects related to LDCT lung screening by family physicians. Finally, it was found that Concerns of the patients about radiation exposure (1.56 +/- 0.78), Difficulty scheduling patients (1.58 +/- 0.81) and Limited/lack of CT machines (1.64 +/- 0.77) were the most perceived barriers of LDCT lung screening as reported by the recruited family physicians. Conclusion: The study concluded that family medicine residents in Riyadh city had an adequate level of knowledge and neutral attitudes towards LDCT lung screening. In addition, the study concluded that patients' concerns of radiation risks and lack of appropriate LDCT scheduling and lack of CT devices were the most barriers limiting the LDCT lung screening in Riyadh city.