Survey of Compliance with Radiation Protection Standards in Diagnostic Imaging Centers of Khuzestan Province in 2015

Introduction and purpose: The growing use of ionizing radiation in disease diagnosis necessitaes the appropriate use of devices and awareness regarding the principles of radiation protection. With appropriate adoption of personal protection equipment and compliance with the existing regulations in relation to protection of the buildings where sources of ionizing radiation are located in, the adverse effects of radiation can be curtailed to a great extent. Methods: In this descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study, we investigated the rate of compliance with radiation protection standards of 45 radiography rooms in 32 diagnostic imaging centers in Khuzestan Province, Iran, 2015. The centers were chosen through random cluster sampling method. The data were obtained using open-ended interview and a checklist designed based on the recommendations of the International Commission for Radiation Protection and Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Results: The compliance rates with regard to radiology room, radiology equipment, darkroom, and radiographer’s protection were 80.76%, 80.47%, 69.28%, and 93.12%, respectively. Maximum and minimum rates of compliance with the standards were related to performance of the cassette tray (100%) and hopper status (25%), respectively. Comparison of public and private imaging centers in terms of safety standards showed no significant differences (P>0.05).Conclusion: The observance of the radiation protection standards in Khuzestan Province was in a relativly desirable condition. However, there are some shortcomings in compliance with the principles of protection in the darkroom. In this regard, with recommend adopting protection measures such as timelyreplacement of processing solution, appropriate ventilation of darkroom, provisionof protection equipment and appliances, and protection training required for entering the darkroom

Effects of Occupational Exposure on Blood Cells of Radiographers Working in Diagnostic Radiology Department of Khuzestan Province

Introduction: Because radiology technologists are exposed to protracted low-dose ionizing radiation and considering the possible effects of low-dose radiation on blood factors, we aimed to investigate the effects of occupational exposure on blood factors of radiographers working in radiology departments of Khuzestan Province, Iran.   Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Khuzestan Province, Iran, during 2015. Blood samples were obtained from 95 radiology technologists and 85 matched, nonradiated controls. The participants were chosen using the cluster sampling method.The data were collected by performing complete blood count (CBC) assay with aSysmexcell counter. To analyze the data, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were run in SPSS, version 16.   Results: T-test demonstrated that the mean values of blood factors were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups (radiographer and non-radiographer) by gender   Conclusion: In this study, occupational exposure did not have any deleterious effects on radiographers’ blood factor levels,but with increasing age and work experience in radiographers,  number of white blood cell decreased. uction: Because radiologyIntroduction: Because radiology technologists are exposed to protracted low-dose ionizing radiation and considering the possible effects of low-dose radiation on blood factors, we aimed to investigate the effects of occupational exposure on blood factors of radiographers working in radiology departments of Khuzestan Province, Iran.Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Khuzestan Province, Iran, during 2015. Blood samples were obtained from 95 radiology technologists and 85 matched, nonradiated controls. The participants were chosen using the cluster sampling method. The data were collected by performing complete blood count (CBC) assay with a Sysmex cell counter. To analyze the data, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were run in SPSS, version 16.Results: T-test demonstrated that the mean values of blood factors were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups (radiographer and non-radiographer) by genderConclusion: In this study, occupational exposure did not have any deleterious effects on radiographers’ blood factor levels, but with increasing age and work experience in radiographers, number of white blood cell decreased. technologists are exposed to protracted low-dose ionizing radiation and considering the possible effects of low-dose radiation on blood factors, we aimed to investigate the effects of occupational exposure on blood factors of radiographers working in radiology departments of Khuzestan Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Khuzestan Province, Iran, during 2015. Blood samples were obtained from 95 radiology technologists and 85 matched, nonradiated controls. The participants were chosen using the cluster sampling method.The data were collected by performing complete blood count (CBC) assay with aSysmexcell counter. To analyze the data, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were run in SPSS, version 16. Results: T-test demonstrated that the mean values of blood factors were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups (radiographer and non-radiographer) by gender Conclusion: In this study, occupational exposure did not have any deleterious effects on radiographers’ blood factor levels,but with increasing age and work experience in radiographers,  number of white blood cell decreased

Effect of Back Pain on Occupational Stress among White-collar Workers

Introduction and purpose: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in&nbsp;stressful jobs is very high. The people suffering from these disorders have low&nbsp;decision-making ability and perceived social support, while they have high&nbsp;physical and psychological job requirements. Regarding this, the present study&nbsp;was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of waist and back pain on&nbsp;occupational stress.&nbsp;Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 89 employees&nbsp;of Abadan Ports and Marine Administration in 2016. The study population was&nbsp;selected through random sampling method. The data were collected using Health&nbsp;and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator and Body Discomfort&nbsp;Chart. Data analysis was&nbsp; performed using descriptive (i.e., frequency andpercentage) and inferential statistics (i.e., t-test) in SPSS version 18.&nbsp;Results: According to the findings, 50% and 31% of the participants had&nbsp;experienced waist and back pain, respectively. The highest and lowest stress&nbsp;levels in this study were related to role (77%) and communication (2.32%),&nbsp;respectively. The results of the t-test revealed a significant difference between&nbsp;the people with waist pain and those without such pain in terms of peer support,&nbsp;role, communication, and variations (P<0.05).&nbsp;Conclusion: As the findings of the present study indicated, back pain and stress&nbsp;had high prevalence among the white-collar workers. Back pain can be an effective&nbsp;factor on the stress level of the office workers