Abstract

VICENTE, Bianca Isabel Costa et al. Literacia Radiológica: o que os utentes sabem sobre radiação ionizante?. RILP [online]. 2022, vol.42, pp.107-120.  Epub Aug 30, 2022. ISSN 2182-4452.  https://doi.org/10.31492/2184-2043.rilp2022.42/pp.107-120.

Exposure to radiation sources for medical purposes is an essential and established component of medical practice with unquestionable benefits but also associated risks. As such, it is necessary to raise the population’s awareness of the risks to improve their levels of literacy. Through a descriptive-correlational study, we aimed to assess the individual’s knowledge about ionizing radiation and its potential effects. An accidental non- probability sampling method was adopted, and the sample consisted of 181 individuals. Given the results obtained, it was possible to conclude that, although most individuals present basic knowledge about ionizing radiation and the imaging techniques that use it, there is a lack of information and a need for clarification about the imaging procedures, as well as the risks and benefits associated to its performance. It was also found that the degree of knowledge on the subject depends on the age-group, with greater radiological literacy being found in young individuals. Although the relatively favorable results of this study, the adoption of appropriate information communication strategies that may contribute to the increase of radiological literacy of the population is considered necessary.

Keywords : radiation literacy; ionizing radiation; health literacy; health professionals; imagiological examinations.

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