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Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association2023; doi: 10.1111/vru.13306

Knowledge and practice of radiation safety in Brazilian equine veterinarians are less than optimal: An online survey.

Abstract: Exposure to ionizing radiation is an occupational risk for veterinarians due to the potential for carcinogenesis, reproductive disorders, cataracts, and hereditary genetic changes. This survey study aimed to identify the radiological protection practices routinely used by veterinarians who work with portable digital X-ray equipment in horses in Brazil and assess their knowledge regarding current legislation. A total of 120 voluntary participation questionnaires were sent to veterinarians who used portable digital radiographic equipment in horses nationwide. The frequencies of the answers were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression models. Thirty-five veterinarians responded (29% response rate). Of these, there was a greater participation of professionals in public institutions (40%, 14/35, p < .001), with 69% from the southeast region (24/35, p < .001) and 69% (24/35, p = .028) being male. We found that self-employed veterinarians had a higher odds ratio (OR) (9.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.39-58.44]; p = .021) of not using personal protective equipment compared with those in professional public institutions. In addition, not knowing the current legislation Collegiate Directorate Resolution 611/22 was a potential risk factor for lower radiological protection (OR, 8.00; 95% CI, [0.79-81.33]; p = 0.079). In conclusion, findings indicated that Brazilian equine veterinarians generally do not adopt adequate radiological protection against ionizing radiation during radiographic examinations and have low knowledge of the current legislation. Results can be used as background for the formulation of specific radiation protection guidelines for veterinarians and incentive educational and training strategies to reduce risks inherent to occupational exposure.
© 2023 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
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Publication Date: 2023-10-18 PubMed ID: 37850510DOI: 10.1111/vru.13306Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article focuses on the practices of radiation safety among equine veterinarians in Brazil who use portable digital X-ray equipment. The study found that these professionals often don’t adequately protect themselves against harmful ionizing radiation during their work, and they typically have a limited understanding of relevant radiation protection laws.

Study Overview

  • This survey-based research aimed to assess the knowledge of current legislation and routine practices of radiation safety among equine veterinarians in Brazil.
  • The target group was those veterinarians who frequently use digital portable X-ray equipment in their practices.
  • Using a total of 120 voluntary participation questionnaires, the study examined the common practices and knowledge of these professionals.

Methodology and Response Data

  • The study used chi-square tests and logistic regression models to analyze the compiled data.
  • The response rate was low, with only 35 out of 120 sent questionnaires responded to, resulting in a 29% response rate.
  • The majority of the respondents were from public institutions and the southeast region of Brazil. Also, a larger percentage of male professionals participated.

Key Findings

  • The study found that self-employed veterinarians were nine times as likely not to use personal protective equipment as compared to those working in public institutions.
  • Another significant finding was the lack of knowledge regarding current legislature – Collegiate Directorate Resolution 611/22 – presenting a potential risk factor towards lower radiological protection.

Conclusion and Implications

  • The research concluded that there is a prevalent issue of inadequate radiological protection and lack of legislative knowledge among Brazilian equine veterinarians.
  • These findings can serve as a basis for formulating specific radiation protection guidelines targeting veterinarians.
  • Armed with these findings, strategies for education and training to mitigate the risks of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation can be developed.

Cite This Article

APA
Granella MCS, Souza AF, Zoppa ALDV. (2023). Knowledge and practice of radiation safety in Brazilian equine veterinarians are less than optimal: An online survey. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.13306

Publication

Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
ISSN: 1740-8261
NlmUniqueID: 9209635
Country: England
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Granella, Milena Carol Sbrussi
  • Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Souza, Anderson Fernando de
  • Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Zoppa, André Luís do Valle De
  • Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Daly S, Skelly C, Lewis M, Toomey R. A survey of the radiation safety practices of veterinary practitioners during portable equine radiography in Ireland. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2024 Jun 3;200(8):763-769.
    doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncae115pubmed: 38712384google scholar: lookup
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