[Patients' knowledge of the effects of X-rays].
BACKGROUND
Exposure to radiation from different non-medical sources in the community is given more attention in the media. The effects of radiologic examination, however, seldom receive the same amount of interest.


METHODS
295 patients were interviewed immediately after an X-ray examination at Haukeland Hospital to investigate what they knew about the effects of X-rays on the human body. In addition we wanted to find out whether referring doctors had informed their patients about possible unwanted effects of the radiological examination.


RESULTS
The patients were more aware of possible effects of radiation from high-voltage cables than of the effects from X-raying. Only three patients had been informed by their referring doctors that X-ray examination could have unwanted effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Information to patients about diagnostic radiation should be improved.
Fartum
A R
AR
Det medisinske fakultet Universitetet i Bergen 5021 Bergen.
Gjertsen
J E
JE
Larsen
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011830:Radiation Effects; D011832:Radiation Injuries; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires