Interventional radiology (IR) represents a highly specialised branch of radiology utilising advanced imaging modalities such as MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds to diagnose and treat various medical conditions.
Through minimally invasive techniques, interventional radiologists navigate internal organs and tissues, offering reduced discomfort and risks compared to conventional surgeries. Common procedures encompass angioplasty, embolization, biopsy, and stent placement. IR stands as an innovative and efficacious medical approach, delivering manifold benefits to patients. Despite its expanding scope, there’s a pressing need for additional staff, hindered by insufficient awareness, impeding the fulfillment of this escalating demand.
With this in mind, a cross-sectional study was carried out at Northern Border University’s College of Medicine in Arar to assess medical students’ knowledge regarding IR and compare this knowledge between male and female students.
All students enrolled in the clinical years at Northern Border University were included in the study
All students enrolled in the clinical years at Northern Border University were included in the study, and a self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data. The minimum sample size required was 169. Appropriate statistical analysis was applied to the collected data, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.
A total of 172 participants meeting the inclusion criteria completed the questionnaire for the study
A total of 172 participants meeting the inclusion criteria completed the questionnaire for the study. Among them, fourth-year students comprised the largest proportion, with 65 participants (37.8%), followed by fifth-year students with 54 (31.4%), and sixth-year students with 53 (30.8%). The study revealed that 66 participants (38.4%) rated their understanding of IR as adequate, while only 8 (4.7%) regarded it as excellent. Notably, there was no significant variance in self-rated IR knowledge between male and female participants.
The results of the study indicate a restricted understanding of IR among medical students, with no notable contrast in knowledge or interest between genders. Additional research and focused educational initiatives might be essential to enhance medical students’ comprehension and engagement with IR.