Abstract
ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of back pain among staff who regularly use lead aprons, correlating this to their use, and improve the knowledge and understanding of lead apron use among staff.MethodsA questionnaire study was undertaken from November 2018 to February 2019 on staff in departments using lead aprons on a routine basis (n = 59) defined as the study group (SG), and staff who did not wear lead aprons (n = 62) defined as the control group (CG). Additionally, a separate questionnaire (n = 43) was distributed to lead apron users regarding education and knowledge, following which an education session was set up and the staff was re-evaluated.ResultsThe prevalence of back pain was higher in the SG; 63% (SG) versus 32% (CG). The proportion of staff that felt lead aprons (SG) or work (CG) was the cause of this back pain was also higher in the SG than the CG: 83% versus 37%. A significant proportion of staff was unaware of the lead equivalence, material, and types of lead aprons available, after education this improved; 92% of staff now think more carefully when choosing a lead apron.DiscussionBack pain is prevalent among staff using lead aprons and a lack of education regarding their use is evident. This could result in time off work and lead to unsafe practices around ionizing radiation. Education improved the knowledge and understanding of lead apron use. This could lead to increased comfort and less strain on the back, potentially lowering the prevalence of back pain.
Highlights
Radiation exposure in hospitals is an invisible but potentially dangerous hazard
The proportion of staff that felt lead aprons (SG) or work (CG) was the cause of this back pain was higher in the study group (SG) than the control group (CG): 83% versus 37%
The prevalence of back pain was not associated with length of time worn, the results showed the following: 35% of staff with back pain wore lead aprons for an average of 0-5 hours per week, 33% with back pain wore them for 5-10 hours, and 26% with back pain wore them for 10-20 hours
Summary
Radiation exposure in hospitals is an invisible but potentially dangerous hazard. The key ways to reduce exposure include shielding (using protective equipment) and reducing exposure time [1]. A lead apron is a standard tool for protection against radiation exposure. Lead aprons have been shown to potentially reduce radiation exposure by up to 99% depending on their thickness and correct use [2]. The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines on personal protection equipment state that an employee should be able to carry the weight of a lead apron without injury [3]. Various studies have highlighted issues regarding the prevalence of back pain due to lead apron use. ‘Interventionalist’s disc disease’ has been identified as a confirmed entity by Ross AM et al [5] who reported that in comparison to orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists, cardiologists had a higher proportion of back pain leading to increased time off work. There is significant concern that lead apron use can contribute to musculoskeletal (MSK) pathologies and low back pain. It is well known that low back pain is common, affecting up to half of the UK population, with significant economic and social ramifications [6]
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