[The Nation Public Awareness on Medical Radiation Using Structural Equations Model]

In this study, we surveyed 3,000 Korean to determine the level of awareness of medical radiation and to analyze the structural relationships of medical radiation awareness. The results showed that the majority of respondents recognized the benefits of medical radiation, but their awareness of the risks and management of radiation was relatively low. In addition, the percentage of respondents who had received information about radiation was low, and their trust in media communication for medical radiation was moderate. Compared to the 2009 survey, there was a significant increase in the perceived risk of medical radiation from 3.37 point to 3.41 point, and a significant increase in perceived management from 2.73 point to 3.67 point. However, the provision of risk information is still insufficient and the level of correct knowledge is low. In addition, YouTube accounts for 35.5% of information sources, and the demand for providing dose information after radiation examination is high at 79.2%. The structural relationship of perceptions showed that benefit and benefit loss were relatively less affected by risk, but more affected by management. Based on the results, we proposed a roadmap for the safety management of medical radiation for patients, which aims to promote the safe use of medical radiation and healthy medical care for the national public people.