Radon risk perception and barriers for residential radon testing in Southwestern Nigeria
Deborah T Esan1,2, Rachel I Obed3, Olusegun T Afolabi4
1Department of Nursing Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
Objectives:
The seriousness and long-term health effects of radon exposure are often underestimated due to inaccurate perceptions of radon risk. The aim of this study was to assess radon risk perception and barriers for residential radon levels testing among Obafemi Awolowo University faculty.
Study Design:
A quantitative cross-sectional design was used for this study.
Methods:
Lecturers' residents of the Obafemi Awolowo University participated in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 296 residents to assess their knowledge about radon and determine their perceived susceptibility to radon health risks. Data were analysed and summarised using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results:
The respondents' mean age was 43 ± 8.5 years and 71% were male. The study revealed that awareness of radon was low (46%), while 61% of respondents had poor knowledge. Only a fifth (19.5%) of the respondents had a high perceived risk of radon, and 70% were not aware of measures to detect radon in their respective homes. A majority (74%) of the respondents reported not knowing where to get a radon testing kit as a barrier to radon testing. Professional background (p < 0.001), academic qualification (p < 0.05) and designation/cadre (p < 0.001) were the major determinants of radon knowledge among residents. Moreover, religion and profession were statistically significantly related to the perception of residents about radon risk (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Despite having a high level of education, knowledge/awareness about radon health risks is low in the Obafemi Awolowo University faculty members; furthermore, lack of knowledge about house testing supplies are a significant barrier to residential testing.
More Related Videos
05:07Development of a Nose-only Inhalation Toxicity Test Chamber That Provides Four Exposure Concentrations of Nano-sized Particles
Published on: March 18, 2019
09:40Ultrasound Assessment of Flow-Mediated Dilation of the Brachial and Superficial Femoral Arteries in Rats
Published on: November 3, 2016
Related Concept Videos
01:09Radiation Pressure: Problem Solving
The average value of the rate of momentum transfer divided by the absorbing area represents the average force...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...