Knowledge deficiency of work-related radiation hazards associated with psychological distress among orthopedic surgeons

Abstract

Knowledge and concern degree about work-related radiation hazards remained unknown among orthopedic surgeons. The aim of the cross-sectional study is to investigate whether the knowledge degree of work-related radiation is associated with psychological distress among orthopedic surgeons. This cross-sectional study sent electronic questionnaire via WeChat to orthopedic surgeons nationwide. Concern and knowing degree over radiation exposure was evaluated by a single self-reported question. Professional evaluation of concern degree was reflected by general psychological distress, which was assessed with the Kessler 10 scale (K10) and depressive symptoms with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Only 43.23% (115/266) respondents knew well about radiation and a total of 78.20% (208/266) respondents considered radiation exposure as a great concern. Among those who reported concerns about radiation exposure, a total of 57.69% (120/208) respondents reported knowing little about radiation. Respondents who reported concerns over radiation exposure were significantly associated with higher scores on CES-D and K10 (P < .05). Among respondents who reported concerns over radiation exposure, those who have fewer knowledge about radiation, had higher CES-D and K10 scores than those who knew well about radiation (P < .05). Among respondents who reported no concerns over radiation exposure, those who knew little about radiation still had higher CES-D and K10 scores (P < .05). Fewer radiation knowledge tends to induce more radiation concerns associated with higher psychological distress in orthopedic surgeons. Radiation knowledge should be enhanced for surgeons who daily work with radiation-related fluoroscopy.

Awareness about radiation hazards and knowledge about radiation protection among healthcare personnel: A quaternary care academic center–based study

“…Similarly, 82% of anesthesia residents in the United States were found to have very high or high levels of concerns about radiation hazards. 13 With regard to the Asia-Pacific region, Fan et al 14 found that 78.2% of orthopedic surgeons in China considered radiation exposure to be an issue of great concern.…”

“…In order to protect themselves against radiation exposure, 78.5% of the participants of this study wore a thyroid shield, but only 31.3% of them wore lead goggles. Another study 14 that was conducted among orthopedic surgeons found that 35%, 3%, and 6% of them preferred to use a mobile lead shield than wear protective apparel, wore lead glasses, and worked without a personal protective device, respectively. Similarly, another survey that was conducted in Nigeria in 2013 15 found that only 12%, 5%, and 3% of radiographers consistently wore a lead apron, lead goggles, and a thyroid shield in their work environments, respectively.…”

Radiation exposure and fluoroscopically-guided interventional procedures among orthopedic surgeons in South Korea

“…Among all the participants, the ST surgeons showed a higher rate of concern than the other groups, and this may be related to them performing a higher proportion of the FGI procedures than other doctors. Previously, a lack of radiation knowledge and awareness about fluoroscopy were also associated with a high level of concern and low rate of wearing the protective devices [15,16]; therefore, education about radiation exposure is warranted for orthopedic surgeons.…”

“…Diverse harmful effects, such as cancer, cataracts, chromosomal abnormalities, and other chronic diseases, have also been reported in physicians performing FGI procedures globally [14]. In addition, orthopedic surgeons have concerns about the hazards of radiation, but they have been shown to demonstrate lower rates of wearing personal protective equipment and dosimeters [15,16]. However, previous studies on orthopedic surgeons were mainly limited by the small sample sizes and limited information on the FGI procedure-related work practices and occupational radiation exposure.…”

Percepção de cirurgiões ortopédicos sobre os riscos da exposição à radiação na fluoroscopia

“…Estudos internacionais anteriores mostram que os ortopedistas possuem uma percepção do risco ocupacional, mas não possuem conhecimento adequado dos riscos da exposição à radiação, nem noção da dose de radiação em sua prática. [2][3][4][5][6] É fundamental que os ortopedistas tenham percepção dos riscos de exposição à radiação, formas de proteção e controle da exposição individual para a minimização de danos. 7 Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar as percepções dos médicos ortopedistas em relação à exposição à radiação ionizante em sua prática.…”