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Research ArticleRadiation Safety

Health and Lifestyle Factors of Australian Medical Radiation Workers: A Pilot Study Using Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Samantha A. O’Brien, Daphne J. James and Helen M. Warren-Forward
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology September 2020, 48 (3) 246-253; DOI: https://doi.org/10.2967/jnmt.119.241505
Samantha A. O’Brien
School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Daphne J. James
School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Helen M. Warren-Forward
School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract

The health effects of chronic low-dose radiation exposure are a subject of worldwide debate. These effects are difficult to assess because all low-dose exposure mechanisms must be accounted for, including background exposure, personal medical examinations, and environmental exposure such as aviation, as well as lifestyle choices contributing to disease. The current literature recommends investigation of lifestyle factors to fill in these gaps. The aim of this study was to pilot-test a survey developed to assess health and lifestyle factors for Australian medical radiation workers. Methods: A cohort of nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) was selected to test the survey. The survey consisted of 53 questions relating to demographics, employment, lifestyle, and health. Data from the 2017–2018 Australian National Health Survey were used to compare the lifestyle choices and health of the participants with those of the Australian general population. Results: In total, 101 participants pilot-tested the survey. Overall, Australian NMTs make better lifestyle choices (more exercise, more vegetable intake, lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption) resulting in lower rates of obesity than the Australian general population. NMTs had a higher reported health status than the Australian population, with lower levels of psychologic distress. Given the low age of NMTs participating in the study, the cancer incidence rate may be higher than that reported for the Australian general population; however, a larger sample size is required to provide more definitive results. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of conducting a widespread survey to assess health and lifestyle factors for the Australian medical radiation worker cohort. Comparison of survey results with data for the entire Australian population have highlighted the potential to increase the number of lifestyle questions.

  • low-dose radiation
  • lifestyle factors
  • health
  • nuclear medicine technologists
  • medical radiation scientists

Footnotes

  • Published online Apr. 20, 2020.

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Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology: 48 (3)
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
Vol. 48, Issue 3
September 1, 2020
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Health and Lifestyle Factors of Australian Medical Radiation Workers: A Pilot Study Using Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Samantha A. O’Brien, Daphne J. James, Helen M. Warren-Forward
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology Sep 2020, 48 (3) 246-253; DOI: 10.2967/jnmt.119.241505

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Health and Lifestyle Factors of Australian Medical Radiation Workers: A Pilot Study Using Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Samantha A. O’Brien, Daphne J. James, Helen M. Warren-Forward
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology Sep 2020, 48 (3) 246-253; DOI: 10.2967/jnmt.119.241505
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Keywords

  • low-dose radiation
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  • Health
  • Nuclear medicine technologists
  • Medical radiation scientists
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