A radiologia: um estudo com mulheres em um hospital universitário do Triângulo Mineiro

Abstract

This study consists of a dissertation-equivalent work presented in the form of two scientific articles. The investigated theme concerns Radiology: a study involving women in a University Hospital located in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Brazil. Understanding the insertion and trajectory of women in radiology, a field historically marked by challenges related to working conditions, exposure to occupational hazards, and gender inequalities, is essential for both organizational environments and workers’ health. The objective of this research was to understand the factors contributing to the low female representation in the radiology profession. The bibliographic research, based on books, scientific articles, and institutional publications, highlighted the trajectory of women in Brazilian radiology, emphasizing their historical participation and the challenges faced in professional practice. It enabled an understanding of the process of women's integration into the field, from the pioneering contributions of Marie Curie to the contemporary professional context. The findings demonstrated the importance of women in the development of radiology while also revealing the persistence of gender inequalities, expressed through discrimination, limitations in career advancement, and underrepresentation in leadership positions. The study concluded that, despite significant progress, actions aimed at promoting gender equity, professional recognition, and improved working conditions for women in the field are still needed. The empirical research was conducted with 14 female workers from the Diagnostic Imaging Unit of a University Hospital in the Triângulo Mineiro region. The results showed that although radiation protection measures are in place and ionizing radiation risks are largely controlled, less visible occupational hazards persist, particularly those of an ergonomic and psychosocial nature. Participants reported physical overload associated with the prolonged use of lead aprons, strain resulting from hospital work dynamics, and mental distress. The discussion pointed that the traditional radiation protection model, centered on ionizing radiation, is insufficient to encompass the complexity of the risks experienced by these workers, highlighting the existence of occupational health issues that remain obscured by work organization.

KEYWORDS: Radiology. Health. Working conditions. Women. Gender inequality.