Relationship between radiation knowledge and radiation effect anxiety on the next generation: An analysis of a questionnaire survey disseminated to residents in Fukushima Prefecture
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- HIROTA Seiko
- Environmetrics and Biometrics, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University
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- NAKAYAMA Chihiro
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University
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- YOSHINAGA Shinji
- Environmetrics and Biometrics, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University
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- MORIYAMA Nobuaki
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University
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- YASUMURA Seiji
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University
Bibliographic Information
- Other Title
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- 放射線による次世代影響不安と知識に関する解析:福島県全域に対する「健康と情報についての調査」回答結果を用いて
- ホウシャセン ニ ヨル ジセダイ エイキョウ フアン ト チシキ ニ カンスル カイセキ : フクシマケン ゼンイキ ニ タイスル 「 ケンコウ ト ジョウホウ ニ ツイテ ノ チョウサ 」 カイトウ ケッカ オ モチイテ
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Abstract
<p>Objectives Since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people in Fukushima Prefecture have been concerned about the effects of radiation on their offspring. Although this fear should be relieved since no epidemiological study has shown evidential cases, situations wherein some people misunderstood the existence of evidence have been independently reported. Therefore, in this study, we examined the relationship between radiation knowledge and anxiety about radiation-based genetic effects using a survey mailed to residents in Fukushima Prefecture.</p><p>Methods In August 2016, we attempted to contact 2,000 people aged 20 to 79 years in Fukushima Prefecture through a survey distributed by mail inquiring about residents' health. We received 861 responses. Respondents selected their level of concern about radiation effects on the next generation on a four-point scale and answered five knowledge questions about radiation effects and protection. Responses were “correct,” “incorrect,” or “not sure.” After adjusting according to residential area, family configuration, age, sex, academic background, media used, and trusted information source, we conducted multiple regression analyses to investigate the relationship between the level of concern and answers to the knowledge questions.</p><p>Results People who answered the knowledge questions more correctly had lower levels of anxiety. The number of “not sure” responses was unrelated to anxiety level. The results indicated that correct answers to questions related to radiation residuals in the body and genetic effects were negatively associated with anxiety. Incorrect answers to the question about genetic effects and another related to cell repair systems were positively associated with anxiety. Moreover, while a correct answer to another question related to the linear threshold model had a positive association, the association was insignificant. Further, any response related to radiation reference values in foods showed no association.</p><p>Conclusion Based on these results, we observed an association between the number of respondents with a correct knowledge of radiation and the degree of anxiety about radiation effects on the next generation. However, this relationship and its strength varied depending on the specific knowledge content. As a limitation of this study, the study could not establish any causality. Further studies, such as prospective interventional studies, should be conducted.</p>
Journal
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- Nihon Koshu Eisei Zasshi(JAPANESE JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH)
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Nihon Koshu Eisei Zasshi(JAPANESE JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH) 70 (7), 415-424, 2023-07-15
Japanese Society of Public Health
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Details 詳細情報について
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- CRID
- 1390859835690355456
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- NII Book ID
- AN00189323
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- ISSN
- 21878986
- 05461766
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- NDL BIB ID
- 032952484
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- PubMed
- 36908154
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- Text Lang
- ja
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- Data Source
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- JaLC
- NDL
- PubMed
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- Abstract License Flag
- Disallowed