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Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Level of perception of technical terms regarding the effect of radiation on the human body by residents of Japan

Authors: Yoshitoku Yoshida, Yasuko Yoshida, Emiko Isogai, Takashi Hayase, Kozue Nakamura, Mitsuo Saito, Koji Arizono

Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to examine the level of perception of the technical terms related to the effect of radiation on the human body among residents of the six prefectures of Miyagi, Fukushima, Tokyo, Aichi, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki in Japan. Miyagi and Fukushima were selected as devastated area by Great East Japan Earthquake. Tokyo and Aichi were selected as control. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were selected as the A-bombed area.

Methods

A total of 1030 respondents, 172, 173, 171, 173, 171, and 170, respectively, were surveyed. Differences in the recognition level of technical terms related to the effect of radiation on the human body among residents of the six prefectures were assessed.

Results

The highest recognition levels were reported by the respondents from Fukushima (17 items). Those from Miyagi scored the second highest recognition levels (10 out of the 17 terms); the second highest recognition levels for the remaining seven terms were marked by the respondents of Tokyo. Respondents in the Tohoku region had a better recognition for the technical terminology relevant to the effect of radiation on the human body.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate a need for continued, comprehensive risk communication pertaining to health hazards of radiation exposure in Tohoku region. Concerted efforts by central/local governments and other stakeholders are required to allay the anxiety/stress related to radiation exposure among the residents.

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Title: Level of perception of technical terms regarding the effect of radiation on the human body by residents of Japan
Authors: Yoshitoku Yoshida
Yasuko Yoshida
Emiko Isogai
Takashi Hayase
Kozue Nakamura
Mitsuo Saito
Koji Arizono
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 1342-078X
Electronic ISSN: 1347-4715
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-017-0679-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Level of perception of technical terms regarding the effect of radiation on the human body by residents of Japan

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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