title: An Exploratory Analysis of Public Awareness and Perception of Ionizing Radiation and Guide to Public Health Practice in Vermont.
abstract: Exposure to ionizing radiation has potential for acute and chronic health effects. Within the general public of the United States, there may be a discrepancy between perceived and actual health risks. In conjunction with the Vermont Department of Health, a survey designed to assess public perception and knowledge of ionizing radiation was administered at 6 Vermont locations (n = 169). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. Eighty percent of respondents underestimated the contribution of medical imaging tests to total ionizing radiation exposure. Although only thirty-nine percent of participants were confident in their healthcare professional's knowledge of ionizing radiation, most would prefer to receive information from their healthcare professional. Only one-third of individuals who received a medical imaging test in the past year were educated by their healthcare professional about the risks of these tests. Those who tested their home for radon were twice as likely to choose radon as the greatest ionizing radiation risk to self. Although respondents had an above-average education level, there were many misperceptions of actual risks of exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly of medical imaging tests. Educating healthcare professionals would therefore have a profound and positive impact on public understanding of ionizing radiation.
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors.forename: Katherine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors.forename: Jenna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bodmer
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors.forename: Bryce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Levins
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: O'Meara
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors.forename: Merima
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruhotina
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Delaney
authors.affiliation: Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05402, USA.
authors.forename: Razelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hoffman-Contois
authors.affiliation: Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05402, USA.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Boccuzzo
authors.affiliation: Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05402, USA.
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hales
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors.forename: Jan K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Carney
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D014707:Vermont; D055815:Young Adult