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Orientador(es)
Resumo(s)
Introduction: Ionizing radiation plays a fundamental role in clinical practice for diagnosis and therapy. However, patients with reproductive potential, including women of reproductive age who may be pregnant or become pregnant in the future, often report limited knowledge and increased anxiety regarding these procedures. Although medical exposures involve inherent risks, when examinations are appropriately justified and optimized, clinical benefits generally outweigh potential radiation-related risks. Nevertheless, misconceptions and risk overestimation may lead to refusal or delay of necessary imaging. This study aims to evaluate perceptions and concerns of women of reproductive age regarding medical exposure to ionizing radiation. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in April 2026, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the keywords perception, concern, ionizing radiation, and women. Results: Seven studies published between 2017 and 2025 were included. The review identified variability in knowledge and persistent gaps in radiation awareness among women, often associated with increased levels of concern. Lower levels of radiation literacy were generally reported among participants without health-related training, whereas higher awareness was observed among those with a medical background. During pregnancy, risk perception was frequently overestimated and primarily focused on fetal harm. Conclusion: Perceptions and concerns about medical radiation are heterogeneous and influenced by sociodemographic, cultural, and psychological factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational strategies and further research to enhance the understanding of how these patients perceive the risks associated with ionizing radiation. Implications for practice: Healthcare professionals should individualize communication about radiation risks according to each patient's sociodemographic and cultural background, providing accurate and comprehensible information aligned with the patient's level of health literacy and informational needs.
Descrição
The authors would like to thank the PIANOFORTE Open grant call 2023 (HORIZON-EURATOM-2023-NRT-01). This partnership has received funding from the European Union’s EURATOM research and innovation program under the 101061037 grant agreement.
Palavras-chave
Ionizing radiation Reproductive age Perceptions Concern Occupational health Systematic review
Contexto Educativo
Citação
Vieira L, Geysmans R, Turcanu C, Almeida-Silva M. Perceptions and concerns regarding medical exposure to ionizing radiation in women of reproductive age: a systematic review. Radiography. 2026;32(6):103481.
Editora
Elsevier BV