Knowledge, awareness, attitudes and practice regarding magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography among physiotherapists in Sudan: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract Physiotherapists increasingly use imaging reports, yet little is known about their understanding of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in Sudan. We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional online survey (23 September to 4 October 2026) of 54 physiotherapists (78% women; median age 26 years; 69% with less than one year of experience) to describe knowledge, awareness, attitudes and practice regarding MRI and CT. The questionnaire comprised an 18-item true/false knowledge test, awareness, attitude and practice scales scored from 1 to 5, and three clinical vignettes. Mean knowledge was 12.3 of 18 (69% correct); 31% of respondents had good, 43% moderate and 26% poor knowledge. Practical safety rules were well known (at least 81% correct), but only 39% knew that the MRI magnet remains active between acquisitions and 46% knew that MRI does not use ionising radiation. Awareness (mean 4.11) and attitude (mean 4.44) were high, and 89% agreed that more training is needed. Knowledge correlated with awareness (Spearman's rho 0.56), attitude (0.51) and practice (0.36), whereas attitude was unrelated to practice (0.00). Good knowledge was reached by 48% of respondents with formal imaging training and 12% of those without (p = 0.016). Only 48% would verify device compatibility before MRI for a patient with a pacemaker. In this small convenience sample, physiotherapists strongly favoured imaging education but showed gaps in MRI physics, CT radiation dose and device safety. Knowledge, rather than attitude, was linked to practice, so structured imaging education should be prioritised.