Evaluation of knowledge about ionizing radiation in imaging methods in a non-medical population
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1679-9836.v101i2e-188655Keywords:
Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance, Ionizing radiation, Radiation-induced malignancy, MalignancyAbstract
Objectives: To describe the knowledge of ionizing radiation exposure in a non-medical population and evaluate the relationship between the understanding of these concepts and the subsequent risks. Materials and Methods: The survey consisted in eleven questions, and assessed knowledge about which tests use ionizing radiation, radiation exposure from medical imaging, and subsequent radiation-induced malignancies. Sociodemographic data were also collected. Results: 88 responses were obtained. 84% of patients had completed higher education and 98% had already undergone some type of imaging exam in their lifetime. About which methods they think use ionizing radiation: 73% responded MRI and 21% ultrasonography. When chest X-ray was compared with CT, only 11% indicated that CT had 100 times the amount of radiation and the majority (23%) responded that it had a little less. Regarding MRI, when asked the amount of radiation that an MRI of abdomen has compared to a CT of abdomen, most participants (28%) responded the same amount. About the knowledge of radiation induction of malignancy, 36% expressed disagreement, without certainty, with the true statement “person who undergoes 3-5 CTs has a higher risk of developing cancer throughout life” and 20% totally disagreed. Conclusion: Study participants did not demonstrate an understanding of which tests use ionizing radiation, the radiation dose, and the risk associated with CT imaging. In addition, they did not understand that MRI and ultrasonography does not expose them to ionizing radiation. The fact of having completed higher education has not been shown to improve understanding of radiation concepts.
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