Knowledge and attitude of radiation safety and the use of protective measures among healthcare workers in a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVE: World Health Organization (WHO) reports that medical applications used in different fields account for the majority of the artificial source of radiation. Due to the high exposure to ionizing radiation, healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients are considered at high risk of suffering its harmful effects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey was used to conduct a cross-sectional study that aimed to estimate the radiation safety, knowledge, attitude and the use of protective measures among HCWs in a tertiary hospital. RESULTS: A total of 174 participants were included in our study, the majority of them were physicians (100, 57.1%), nurses staff were 67 (38.3%), and the technicians were 8 (4.6%). Across the entire spectrum, the low level of attitude toward radiation safety was 96 (54.8%), majority of them were physicians 69 (71.9%). On the other hand, the high level of attitude toward radiation safety was 79 (45.2%), majority were nurses staff 42 (53.2%). Regarding the knowledge of radiation safety, out of all low-level attitudes, 53 (55.2%) had knowledge about the optimal thickness of the lead shield, 80 (83.3%) had knowledge about leukemia and lymphoma, 56 (58.3%) had knowledge regarding cataract, and 70 (72.9%) had knowledge regarding birth defect. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that the majority of our physicians had a low attitude regarding radiation safety, although the majority of them were found to have knowledge about it. A recommendation for solid curricular application of radiation safety should be implemented in medical schools, postgraduate with continuous training, and practical courses which may help to improve the level of attitude and knowledge among HCWs regarding radiation safety.

Reusable vs. single-use cystoscope for removal of double-j stent: a prospective randomized comparison and cost analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Two main types of cystoscopes, reusable cystoscope (RC) and disposable cystoscope, (DC) are used for the removal of ureteric stents. This study aimed to prospectively compare the effectiveness of disposable and reusable cystoscopes for the removal of ureteric stents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who recently underwent double-J stent insertion were recruited and randomly assigned to the disposable and reusable cystoscope groups. Data were collected prospectively, which included pain scores (10-point visual analog scale), operation time, complications, and a 5-point Likert scale satisfaction assessment for surgeons, nurses, and patients. A cost analysis was also performed. The association between categorical data was assessed using the Chi-square/Fisher's exact test. The t-test was used to assess the mean difference in surgery time. RESULTS: Overall, 128 patients (mean age, 46.8 years) were included in the study; 64 procedures were completed using each cystoscope type. Stent removal satisfaction among surgeons and patients was equivalent in both groups, while nurses favored the disposable cystoscope. A significant reduction of 23% in the procedural time and 27% in the total operative time was observed in the disposable cystoscope group. Pain score was the same for both groups. Two patients in the reusable cystoscope group had UTI. No complications were reported in the disposable cystoscope group. CONCLUSIONS: Both disposable and reusable cystoscopes are comparable in terms of pain score and surgeons' and patients' satisfaction. Disposable cystoscope is more cost effective than reusable cystoscope.

Urinary incontinence among Saudi women: prevalence, risk factors, and impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: This study was done to determine UI prevalence among women in Saudi Arabia and identify the associated risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to September 2020 in Saudi women who came to the Urology Department at King Khalid Hospital, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. In the age group of 20 to 50 years, Saudi women who are not seriously ill or pregnant or in the postnatal period or diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse were included as participants. A semi-structured questionnaire modified from the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form was used to collect data on frequency, the severity, consequences, and impact of UI on quality of life. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) with the calculation of mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables. Logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the predictors of UI. RESULTS: A total of 451 participants were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the study population was 42.52 years (SD 11.75). Among risk factors, 45 (10%) had diabetes, 56 (12.4%) had hypertension, 36 (8%) had asthma, 80 (17.7%) had UTI/STDs. Out of 451 participants, 188 (41.7%) had urinary incontinence (UI). Sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors like family income, urinary and genital infections (UTI/STDs), pelvic/uterine prolapse, any other disease, and cough were found to have a statistically significant association with urinary incontinence (p-value <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of UI was 41.7% among the study population. The various risk factors associated with UI are older age, parity, multiple vaginal deliveries, hypertension, history of asthma, and chronic cough. Poor health-seeking behavior was observed. Creating awareness and the need for early diagnosis with timely intervention is recommended.