치과의료기관 내원환자의 방사선 피폭에 대한 불안감에 영향을 미치는 요인

Factors that Affect Anxiety Related to Radiation Exposure Among Patients in a Dental Medical Institution

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate how anxiety in dental patients regarding radiation exposure can be reduced. Methods: The study was conducted in dental facilities during the six months from August 2019 to January 2020 to investigate the anxiety of patients concerning radiation exposure. It then analyzed the factors affecting their levels of anxiety regarding exposure. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between anxiety relating to dental radiation exposure and knowledge of radiation (-0.252, p < 0.01) and perceptions of radiation (-0.582, p < 0.01). An examination of the factors affecting the anxiety of dental patients regarding exposure to radiation showed that a high recognition of the need for dental radiography (p < 0.05) and more negative perceptions of radiation (p < 0.001) resulted in greater anxiety regarding radiation exposure (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In order to reduce anxiety about radiation exposure, educational materials should be produced and patient education conducted so patients can have correct knowledge and perceptions of dental radiation. In addition, relevant regulations or legal guidelines should be prepared so that radiation safety education for patients can be practiced systematically.