How are we protecting ourselves from radiation exposure? A nationwide survey.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a nationwide survey of Brazilian urologists to study behaviors toward radiation exposure and the use of protective and monitoring equipment.


METHODS
A 13-question e-mail questionnaire was sent to 4,526 Brazilian urologists; the questions addressed demographic characteristics, radiation exposure, and the utilization of shielding devices and dosimeters. The reasons why these devices were not used were also investigated.


RESULTS
A total of 332 completed questionnaires were analyzed (7.3 %); the median age of the respondents was 43.3 ± 10.8 years. Lead aprons and thyroid protection are utilized in every procedure by 84.4 and 53.89 % of respondents, respectively. Protective eyeglasses are never used by 72.12 % of the respondents. Older urologists were more likely not to use adequate protection. Of the urologists who responded, 76.42 % never use dosimeters.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows an unsatisfactory utilization of radiation-shielding devices and dosimeters, revealing a low compliance to the as low as reasonably achievable principle among Brazilian urologists.
Departament of Surgery, Federal University of Espirito Santo, UFES, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, claudio.borges@ufes.br.
Cláudio F
CF
Borges
Ernesto
E
Reggio
Fabio C
FC
Vicentini
Leonardo Oliveira
LO
Reis
Gustavo Rossoni
GR
Carnelli
Adriano
A
Fregonesi
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D005373:Film Dosimetry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009403:Nephrostomy, Percutaneous; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014572:Urology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*