Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Radiopharmaceuticals among Patients Undergoing Radiopharmaceutical Procedures: A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Radiopharmaceutical procedures are integral for diagnostic and therapeutic practice in modern medicine. Understanding knowledge, attitudes and practices on radiopharmaceuticals among patients undergoing radiopharmaceutical procedures are essential for ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices on radiopharmaceuticals among patients undergoing radiopharmaceutical procedures and determine the associated demographic factors Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling method involving patients who were treated or diagnosed as cancer patients with radiopharmaceuticals (n=384) at Nuclear Imaging Unit, teaching hospital, Karapitiya. A structured verbal questionnaire developed by the investigator and validated by two experts was used. The scoring for the questions was determined by giving one point for each correct answer and zero for incorrect or no response answer based on literature. In knowledge, score ranges of 0-10 and 11-27 were considered as poor and good. In attitudes and practices, score ranges of 0-4 and 5-8 were considered as poor and good, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Among the study participants, 64.32% were females while 48.70% were within the 60-70 years age group and 72.4% had education up to G.C.E. O/L. Participant’s mean±SD knowledge score was 12.51±3.25, attitude score was 5.28±1.47 and practice score was 6.59±1.29. Among participants, 317(82.1%) had good knowledge, 285 (74.22%) had good attitudes, and 357(92.97%) had good practices. The level of education (p=0.012) and gender (p=0.045) significantly associated with knowledge, however, no associations were found between knowledge and age (p=0.227), residence (p=0.160) and occupation (p=0.190). Attitudes for radiopharmaceuticals differ significantly with respect to age (p=0.009), level of education (p=0.000) and occupation (p=0.002). Gender (p=0.853), age (p=0.177), level of education (p=0.387), residence (p=0.851) and occupation (p=0.238) showed no significant effect on practice. Of the participants 12.5% were not aware that their bodies emit radiation after administration and 14.3% did not isolate themselves from others until specified time. Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude towards radiopharmaceutical procedures was satisfactory in this target population and the majority had a good attitude towards the role played by healthcare providers. Practices on radiopharmaceuticals were also satisfactory. However, health education should be provided on emission of radiation after administration of the radiopharmaceuticals.