[X-rays in the eye of the general public. A survey of 181 interviews with office personnel (author's transl)].
For a pilot study, a random sample of 181 office personnel in steel companies were interviewed about their knowledge and feelings on X-rays and other forms of ionizing radiation. The general knowledge about the beneficial and detrimental aspects of X-rays was good, with education at school and news media reports being the main sources of information (70%). In general, the news media are considered to give objective and correct reports on this matter. 85% of the interviewed held ionizing radiation to be at least somewhat dangerous. Those with higher education (college/university) were significantly more vocal on the dangerous aspects. Concerning personal fear of X-rays, 30% were at least somewhat fearful. A significant correlation was found between statements on the dangerous aspects and subjective feelings of fear (anxiety). Interestingly, there was no correlation between general fearfulness (manifest anxiety) and fear of X-rays.
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005860:Germany, West; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011639:Public Opinion; D011830:Radiation Effects; D012494:Sampling Studies; D014965:X-Rays
Röntgenstrahlen im Urteil der Bevölkerung. Eine Befragung von 181 Verwaltungsangestellten.