Effects of ionizing radiation on respiratory function tests and blood parameters in radiology staff.

AIM: To evaluate pulmonary function tests and blood parameters and their relationship with sociodemographic data for radiology staff continuously exposed to ionizing radiation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight personnel from Suleyman Demirel University Training and Research Hospital, Radiology Unit, were included in this study. Sociodemographic data were evaluated by a questionnare that was developed by the researchers. Height and weight measurements were performed with a standard scale and meter. Routine blood parameters and spirometric lung function measurements of the cases were recorded. Statistical significances were determined by independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), bivariate correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests using SPSS 18.0. RESULTS: The mean age was 32.42 ± 5.5 years; 19 patients (50%) were male and 19 patients (50%) were female. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as 25.68 ± 0.47 for men and 24.58 ± 1.13 for women. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximum mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75) showed negatively statistically significant differences between gender (p < 0.01). In addition, FEV1 and FEF25-75 also demonstrated statistically negatively significant difference with the type of task (p < 0.05). A statistically significant negative difference was found between FEF25-75 value and time to start smoking (p < 0.05). Among FVC, FEV1, PEF and FEF25-75 values and alcohol usage, statistically significant positive difference was detected (p < 0.05). Statistically significant positive difference was found among FVC, PEF and FEF25-75 values and sports activity (p < 0.05). According to BMI groups, statistically significant positive difference with FVC, FEV1 and PEF values were found (p < 0.05). Statistically significant correlations were found among FVC value and haemoglobin level (Hgb), haematocrit level (Hct) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), among FEV1 value and Hgb, MCV, among PEF value and red blood cell count (RBC), Hgb, Hct, MCV, red cell distribution width (RDW), and between FEF25-75 value and MCV. CONCLUSION: Although respiratory functions of radiology staff are affected by many factors, continuous exposure to ionizing radiation is one of the important parameters. Radiology staff should be informed about factors that negatively affect the respiratory functions.

Effects of ionizing radiation on respiratory function tests and blood parameters in radiology staff / Efectos de las Radiaciones ionizantes en las pruebas de función respiratoria y los parámetros de la sangre del personal de radiología

AIM: To evaluate pulmonary function tests and blood parameters and their relationship with sociodemographic data for radiology staff continuously exposed to ionizing radiation. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Thirty-eight personnel from Suleyman Demirel University Training and Research Hospital, Radiology Unit, were included in this study. Sociodemographic data were evaluated by a questionnare that was developed by the researchers. Height and weight measurements were performed with a standard scale and meter. Routine blood parameters and spirometric lung function measurements of the cases were recorded. Statistical significances were determined by independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), bivariate correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests using SPSS 18.0. RESULTS: The mean age was 32.42 ± 5.5 years; 19 patients (50%) were male and 19 patients (50%) were female. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as 25.68 ± 0.47 for men and 24.58 ± 1.13 for women. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximum mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75) showed statistically significant differences between gender (p < 0.01). In addition, FEV1 and FEF25-75 also demonstrated statistically negatively significant difference with the type of task (p < 0.05). A statistically significant negative difference was found between FEF25-75 value and time to start smoking (p < 0.05). Among FVC, FEV1, PEF and FEF25-75 values and alcohol usage, statistically significant positive difference was detected (p < 0.05). Statistically significant positive difference was found among FVC, PEF and FEF25-75 values and sports activity (p < 0.05). According to BMI groups, statistically significant positive difference with FVC, FEV1 and PEF values were found (p < 0.05). Statistically significant correlations were found among FVC value and haemoglobin level (Hgb), haematocrit level (Hct) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), among FEV1 value and Hgb, MCV, among PEF value and red blood cell count (RBC), Hgb, Hct, MCV, red cell distribution width (RDW), and between FEF25-75 value and MCV. CONCLUSION: Although respiratory functions of radiology staff are affected by many factors, continuous exposure to ionizing radiation is one of the important parameters. Radiology staff should be informed about factors that negatively affect the respiratory functions.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las pruebas de función pulmonar y parámetros de sangre y su relación con los datos sociodemográficos para el personal de radiología continuamente expuesto a la radiación ionizante. SUJETOS Y MÉTODO: Este estudio incluyó treinta y ocho miembros del personal de la Unidad de Radiología del Hospital de Docencia e Investigación de la Universidad Suleyman Demirel. Los datos sociode-mográficos se evaluaron mediante un formulario que fue desarrollado por los investigadores. Se realizaron mediciones de la altura y el peso con un metro y una escala estándar. Se registraron los datos de rutina sobre los parámetros de sangre y las mediciones de la función pulmonar espirométrica de los casos. La respectiva importancia estadística fue determinada mediante la prueba t independiente, análisis de varianza (ANOVA), correlación bivariada y pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis utilizando SPSS 18.0. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio fue de 32.42 ± 5,5 años; 19 pacientes (50%) eran varones y 19 pacientes (50%) eran mujeres. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) se calculó como 25.68 ± 0.47 para los hombres y 24.58 ± 1.13 para las mujeres. La capacidad vital forzada (CVF), el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1), el flujo espiratorio máximo (FEM), y los valores del flujo espiratorio medio máximo (FEMM25-75) mostraron diferencias negativas estadísticamente significativas entre géneros (p < 0.01). Además, el VEF1 y el FEMM25-75 también mostraron diferencias negativas estadísticamente significativas en relación con el tipo de la tarea (p < 0.05). Se halló una diferencia negativa estadísticamente significativa entre el valor de FEMM25-75 y el tiempo del inicio del hábito de fumar (p < 0.05). Se detectó una diferencia positiva estadísticamente significativa entre los valores de CVF, VEF1, FEM y FEMM25-75, y el hábito de consumir alcohol (p < 0.05). Se detectó una diferencia positiva estadísticamente significativa entre los valores de CVF, FEM y FEMM25-75, y las actividades de deporte (p < 0.05). Según los grupos de IMC, se halló una diferencia positiva estadísticamente significativa positiva entre los valores de CVF, VEF1, y los valores de FEM (p < 0.05). Se hallaron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre el valor de CVF y el nivel de la hemoglobina (Hgb), el nivel de hematocrito (Hct) y el volumen corpuscular medio (VCM); entre el valor de VEF1 y Hgb, VCM; entre el valor de FEM, y el conteo de glóbulos rojos (CGR), Hgb, Hct, VCM, y la distribución de los glóbulos rojos;y entre el valor de FEMM25-75 y VCM. CONCLUSIÓN: Aunque las funciones respiratorias del personal de radiología son afectadas por muchos factores, la exposición continua a la radiación ionizante es uno de los parámetros importantes. El personal de radiología debe ser informado acerca de los factores prevenibles que afectan negativamente las funciones respiratorias.

Attitude and behavior related to organ donation and affecting factors: a study of last-term students at a university.

AIM: The aim of this study was to detect the behavior and attitude of our last-term students. METHODS: The study group for this cross-sectional research consisted of 1690 last-term students. We applied a questionnaire about sociodemographic features, behaviors, and attitudes about organ donation. Data were evaluated with SPSS 11.0. RESULTS: We accessed 1287 students among whom 1.3% stated that they would donate their organs. Among students who did not agree, 58.7% were considering donation. The main reasons for not agreeing to donation were fear of commercial use (45.7%) and the belief of inappropriateness related to religion (25.7%). In contrast, 62.3% stated that they would donate their organ when needed for their relatives. Also, 50.6% indicated that if one of their relatives died, they would donate their relative's organs; there was no significant difference based on gender. In addition, favorable thoughts about donation were significantly more prevalent for female subjects (P = .001). Organ donation behavior and thoughts were significantly higher among the group with better economic position (P = .001, .018); and for students whose mother had an education higher than high school (P = .003, .004). Higher donation ratios were observed for students who had a relative working in the medical field (P = .04) and the group who stated they were well informed about organ donation (P < .001). CONCLUSION: When we take into account that our study group consisted of university students, organ donation rates were low. To overcome the difficulties, we have to inform the community and collaborate with religious organizations. To prevent fear that organs will be used commercially we must prove confidence in the system.