[Patients' knowledge of the effects of X-rays].

BACKGROUND

Exposure to radiation from different non-medical sources in the community is given more attention in the media. The effects of radiologic examination, however, seldom receive the same amount of interest.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

295 patients were interviewed immediately after an X-ray examination at Haukeland Hospital to investigate what they knew about the effects of X-rays on the human body. In addition we wanted to find out whether referring doctors had informed their patients about possible unwanted effects of the radiological examination.

RESULTS

The patients were more aware of possible effects of radiation from high-voltage cables than of the effects from X-raying. Only three patients had been informed by their referring doctors that X-ray examination could have unwanted effects.

INTERPRETATION: Information to patients about diagnostic radiation should be improved.