Willingness to engage in nuclear or radiological emergency response among medical personnel at four university hospitals in Kyushu, Japan

Following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, Japan enhanced its nuclear disaster preparedness framework. However, personnel shortages stemming from fear and anxiety persist as a critical issue during such disasters. This study investigated the willingness of medical professionals at four university hospitals in Kyushu to participate in nuclear disaster response activities and explored factors influencing this willingness. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among staff at Nagasaki, Kyushu, Saga and Kagoshima University Hospitals. Participants answered 19 questions assessing their willingness to participate in nuclear or radiological emergency response and associated psychosocial and occupational factors. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of willingness (Q1). A total of 378 valid responses were analyzed. Demographic variables, including age, sex, occupation and disaster experience, did not significantly influence willingness. However, interest in nuclear or radiological emergencies (β =0.383, P < 0.05), Incentives (β =0.249), Family understanding (β =0.116) and Occupational norms (β =0.114) were positively associated with willingness. Conversely, Anxiety (β = -0.151), Expectation of routine training (β = -0.138) and Perceived frequency of nuclear disasters (β = -0.104) were negatively associated with willingness. Medical staff's willingness to respond to nuclear or radiological emergencies is influenced more by psychological and occupational perceptions than by demographic factors. Interventions such as incentive programs, family support initiatives, targeted training and anxiety-reduction strategies may enhance preparedness for and participation in future nuclear or radiological emergencies.