Knowledge and attitudes toward [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography among non-radiologist medical staff

Abstract

Background: To investigate the current knowledge and attitudes towards [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) among non-radiologist medical staff in China. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 18, 2022, and December 6, 2022, at the First Affiliated Hospital (Southwest Hospital) of the Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) among non-radiologist staff (medical, nursing, and others). The questionnaire survey (Cronbach’s α = 0.887) included 28 items: 10 on demographics, 11 on knowledge (maximum score of 22), and seven on attitudes (maximum score of 35). The factors influencing knowledge and attitudes were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: This study analyzed 631 valid questionnaires. The mean knowledge score was 7.16 ± 6.48 (32.55%), indicating poor knowledge. The mean attitude score was 22.859 ± 2.36 (65.29%), indicating positive attitudes. Nursing (OR = 0.301, 95%CI: 0.159–0.571), other occupations (OR = 0.426, 95%CI: 0.200-0.905), departments with high volumes of PET/CT prescriptions (OR = 0.419, 95%CI: 0.269–0.652), radioprotection training (OR = 2.520, 95%CI: 1.576–4.030), underwent (or a relative) a PET/CT (OR = 1.713, 95%CI: 1.063–2.761), and contact with 1–10 (OR = 2.429, 95%CI: 1.627–3.627) or > 10 (OR = 3.575, 95%CI: 1.762–7.252) patients per month were independently associated with higher knowledge scores. Only the knowledge scores (OR = 1.063, 95%CI: 1.032–1.094) were independently associated with higher attitude scores. Conclusion: Non-radiologist medical staff members in China have poor knowledge but positive attitudes toward PET/CT. This study identified knowledge areas worth improving in future training interventions. Radioprotection training appears particularly useful in improving the knowledge of PET/CT, which should translate into more favorable attitudes. Trial registration: Not applicable.