Effects of systematic radiation education on the radiation risk perception: Comparisons before and after the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant disaster

• Published in: International journal of nursing practice 2012-02, Vol.18, p.103
• Main Authors: Tomisawa, T, Aizu, K, Ohgino, A, Itaki, C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Nuclear power plants; Perceptions; Radiation; Risk; Students
• ISSN: 1322-7114; 1440-172X

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of a systematic radiation education on radiation risk perception of students enrolled in a health sciences school before and after the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster. A questionnaire survey regarding radiation was conducted in 156 freshmen who entered the school in 2010 (2010 group) and 129 freshmen who entered in 2011 (2011 group). The questionnaire survey was administered before and after an [Introduction to Basic Radiation] course, which consisted of eight 90-minute lectures, during April to June. Data analysis was performed by two-way repeated-measure ANOVA. The items of fear of radiation (Fear), difficulty in understanding radiation (Difficulty), interest in radiation (Interest) significantly lower in the 2010 group than in the 2011 group (p < 0.001). Understanding the effects of radiation on the human body (Understanding) scored significantly higher in the 2011 group than in the 2010 group (p < 0.001). The systematic radiation education did not change Fear in the 2011 group. These results suggested that students in the 2011 group continued to feel fear about radiation even after the lectures because of the ongoing Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster at that time. Additionally, after the disaster, 2011 group gained a lot of information from mass media everyday concerning basic radiation, circumstances of the disaster, and radiation exposure. To promote understanding, it seems that a readiness to learn and high interest and exposure to information about radiation are required.