Radiation protection for X-ray diagnosis subjects in a District of Shanghai

ObjectiveTo conduct a special survey in order to find the defect of the personal protection in medical X-ray diagnosis.

MethodsField inspection, and document check and personal interviews were conducted in 182 subjects selected from 6 medical institutions in a district of Shanghai.

ResultsThe awareness rate of radiation hazard was 76.37%, the awareness rate of using personal protective equipments being 65.93%, and the utilization rate of personal protective equipment was 50.55%.Compared with the low educated subjects, the awareness and utilization rates with high educated subjects were significantly higher(P < 0.001 and P=0.032 respectively).Compared with subjects under 40, the awareness of radiation hazard was higher in subjects above 40(P=0.002).

ConclusionRelevant departments should strengthen publicity and education in personal protection for medical exposure, especially for low educated and high age subjects.Regulators should urge the radiation treatment institutions to practice the standard and regulations, to improve the actual utilization of personal protective equipment, and effectively protect from medical exposure.