Comparison of knowledge and concerns about radiation between the general population and radiological technologists...

We conducted an online survey of 1953 members of the general population (valid response rate: 65.1%) and 384 radiological technologists (valid response rate: 100%) to examine the relationship between radiation knowledge and concerns. The mean knowledge score (maximum: 50) was 28.7 in the general population and 40.2 among radiological technologists. The mean concern scores (maximum: 50) were 25.0 and 17.1, respectively. Both scores differed significantly between the groups (Mann-Whitney U test, P < .01). In the general population, the relationship between knowledge and concern scores varied according to age. In those aged < 30 years, the correlation was weak (R, -0.411 to -0.412), whereas in those aged ≥ 30 years, it was stronger (R, -0.541 to -0.546), suggesting that knowledge reduces concerns. No significant age-based differences were observed among the technologists. These findings suggest that increasing knowledge about radiation may help alleviate concerns.