Assessing Radiation Dosage in Pediatric Head and Neck Computed Tomography Examinations During COVID-19 in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah.

This study aimed to assess the practice of imaging and optimization of the radiation dose in pediatric head and neck computed tomography (CT) examinations during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) period. This study is based on a retrospective analysis of pediatric head CT records, conducted in the Radiology Department of the King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We examined the data of all pediatric patients between 0 and 14 years of age who underwent head CT scans between March and September in both 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) and 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). In total, we analyzed 1005 scans; 531 (52.8%) were performed before and 474 (47.2%) during COVID-19. The dose parameters were similar; however, the exposure time was significantly lower during COVID-19 (5432 ms vs. 5811 before; p < 0.001). In contrast, the mean total CTDIvol and dose-length product (DLP) were slightly higher during COVID-19 than those before (23.34 mGy vs. 22.04 mGy (p-value=0.565) and 577.36 mGy*cm vs. 518.93 mGy*cm (p-value=0.193) respectively). These changes could be attributed to the desire to limit the contact between technicians and patients. The limitation of contact with the patient allows the technicians to be independent during the scan, possibly accounting for this slight decrease.

Patterns, knowledge, and barriers of mammography use among women in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess mammography utilization and knowledge, and to determine barriers associated with mammography utilization among Saudi women. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 5 main geographic regions of Saudi Arabia from February 2015 to May 2015. The sample comprised women aged ≥40 years. Associations between socio-demographic factors and mammography use were tested using chi-square test. Predictors of mammography use were assessed by logistic regression. Results: A total of 3,245 women were surveyed, with 40% reporting ever having a mammogram. As indicated by the univariable analyses, older age (≥60 years), being single or divorced, having less than 2 children, not completing high school, and having a family history (hx) of breast cancer were significantly associated with never having a mammogram. Participants of older age (odds ratio [OR] 51-60 versus 41-50 = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5-0.7 and OR less than 60 versus 41-50 = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8), and divorced (OR divorced versus married = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5-0.8] were less likely to have had a mammogram, while participants with no family hx of breast cancer (OR no family hx versus family hx = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.3-1.8)were more likely to have had a mammogram. Conclusion: Mammography utilization and knowledge are low in Saudi Arabia. Increasing the awareness of breast cancer screening through educational programs could help women overcome existing barriers and misconceptions.