Radiation Knowledge and Anxiety: An Online Survey of Construction Workers and Radiological Technologists

In this study, by using an online survey, we obtained responses regarding basic knowledge of radiation and anxiety associated with radiation exposure from 500 general construction workers, who are likely to be engaged in decontamination work after a nuclear disaster or radiation accident, and 200 radiological technologists, who have expertise in the biological effects and clinical applications of radiation. A chi-square test showed significant differences in the groups’ basic knowledge of radiation; the degree of anxiety about radiation exposure was significantly greater among general construction workers than among radiological technologists. In addition, a logistic regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between knowledge of “the difference between natural and artificial radiation” and “the difference between internal and external exposure” and anxiety associated with radiation exposure. Taken together, our findings suggest that appropriate radiation education may contribute to reducing anxiety associated with radiation exposure.