This study aimed to investigate the current status of Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) in paediatric CT across Jordan. The dose data for four main CT examinations (brain, chest, abdominopelvic, and Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis (CAP)) in hospitals and imaging centres (n = 4) were measured. The volume CT dose index (CTDI vol ) and Dose Length Product (DLP) values were compared within the different hospitals and age groups (<1 year, 1-4 years, 5-10 years and 11-18 years). DRL in Jordan were compared to international DRLs. The paediatric population consisted of 1,818 children; 61.4% of them were male. There were significant variations between the DRLs for each CT scanner with an up to four-fold difference in dose between hospitals. There were apparent significant differences between Jordan and other countries with the DLPs in Jordan being relatively high. However, for CTDI vol , the values in Jordan were close to those of other countries. This study confirmed variations in the CTDI vol and DLP values of paediatric CT scans in Jordan. These variations were attributed to the different protocols and equipment used. There is a need to optimise paediatric CT examinations doses in Jordan.
Objectives: To explore the difficulties and obstacles of hearing-technology users during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Study sample: Individuals with permanent hearing loss (n ¼ 278) answered a questionnaire designed to identify potential obstacles caused by using hearing aids during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the reasons and deleterious effects associated with the devices. Each category reflected challenges in communicating, learning, and working during the pandemic. Different response categories were compared using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The duration of daily device usage before the imposed lockdown was significantly higher than that during (Z ¼ À2.01, p < 0.05), potentially attributable to the pandemic-induced difficulties faced by hearing-technology users. Such challenges include the shortage of batteries for hearing devices, limited access to repair or programming services of said devices and accessories, termination of speech therapy sessions, and obstacles to employment and education. Conclusions: Among audiologists, efficiency and professionalism are required to educate the public and private health sectors regarding the prevalent challenges and their harmful impact on hearing-technology users during the COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome these issues, awareness of telepractice and its importance in providing audiological services to hard of hearing individuals should be raised.
This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of radiology professionals in Jordan in regard to breast cancer (BC) screening. Methods: An IRB approved, online-based study was carried out in Jordan. The participants were radiologists (n = 8) and radiographers (n = 64). Results: The results showed that although 61.8% of participants were knowledgeable about BC prevention, only 65.7% (n = 48) of respondents performed breast self-examinations (BSE) on themselves, 28.7% (n = 21) underwent clinical breast examination (CBE) and 15.1% (n = 5) underwent either diagnostic or screening mammography. Conclusion: Radiology professionals are generally aware of the benefits of BC screening and its ability to facilitate early diagnosis of BC. Although some practitioners advise their relatives to perform BSEs and attend CBE, low percentages of respondents performed BSEs themselves or undergo CBE.
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