The occurrence of symptoms associated with darkroom disease in radiographers in Trinidad and Tobago

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence of symptoms associated with darkroom disease (headache, sore throat/hoarseness, unexpected fatigue, sore eyes, chemical taste in the mouth, sinus problems/nasal discharge, persistent flu-like symptoms, painful joints, oral ulcers, skin rash, chest pain/ breathing difficulty, arrythmia/tachycardia and neuralgia) in radiographers in Trinidad and Tobago when compared with an age and gender matched control group. DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort design was used with an interviewer administered questionnaire. The study population was the total membership of the Society of Radiographers of Trinidad and Tobago; while the control group was a sample of convenience of the clerical staff at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC). A pilot study was conducted on retired radiographers and clerical staff at the EWMSC. For the main survey, a total of 104 participants of equal numbers of radiographers and the control group were interviewed. The occurrence of symptoms between the two groups was compared using the chi-square test for proportions. Data on frequency, time of onset, and duration of symptoms were also collected. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher occurrence of sinus problems/nasal discharge (p=0.0018), sore throat/ hoarseness (p=0.0001) unexpected fatigue (p=0.0066), persistent flu-like symptoms (p=0.0183), chemical taste (p=0.0008), irregular heartbeat (p=0.02), and skin rash (p=0.0273) among radiographers. CONCLUSION: Radiographers in Trinidad and Tobago exhibit symptoms associated with darkroom disease.(Au)