Journal of Radiation Protection and Research

  • 제47권2호
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  • Pages.67-76
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  • 2022
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  • 2508-1888(pISSN)
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  • 2466-2461(eISSN)
대한방사선방어학회 (The Korean Association for Radiation Protection)
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Perceptions of Residents in Relation to Smartphone Applications to Promote Understanding of Radiation Exposure after the Fukushima Accident: A Cross-Sectional Study within and outside Fukushima Prefecture

  • Kuroda, Yujiro (Department of Prevention and Care Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology) ;
  • Goto, Jun (Institute for Research Promotion, Niigata University) ;
  • Yoshida, Hiroko (Radioisotope Research and Education Center, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University) ;
  • Takahashi, Takeshi (Education Center for Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Niigata University)
  • 투고 : 2021.03.15
  • 심사 : 2021.11.04
  • 발행 : 2022.06.30
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초록

Background: We conducted a cross-sectional study of residents within and outside Fukushima Prefecture to clarify their perceptions of the need for smartphone applications (apps) for explaining exposure doses. The results will lead to more effective methods for identifying target groups for future app development by researchers and municipalities, which will promote residents' understanding of radiological situations. Materials and Methods: In November 2019, 400 people in Fukushima Prefecture and 400 people outside were surveyed via a web-based questionnaire. In addition to basic characteristics, survey items included concerns about radiation levels and intention to use a smartphone app to keep track of exposure. The analysis was conducted by stratifying responses in each region and then cross-tabulating responses to concerns about radiation levels and intention to use an app by demographic variables. The intention to use an app was analyzed by binomial logistic regression analysis. Text-mining analyses were conducted in KH Coder software. Results and Discussion: Outside Fukushima Prefecture, concerns about the medical exposure of women to radiation exceeded 30%. Within the prefecture, the medical exposure of women, purchasing food products, and consumption of own-grown food were the main concerns. Within the prefecture, having children under the age of 18, the experience of measurement, and having experience of evacuation were significantly related to the intention to use an app. Conclusion: Regional and individual differences were evident. Since respondents differ, it is necessary to develop and promote app use in accordance with their needs and with phases of reconstruction. We expect that a suitable app will not only collect data but also connect local service providers and residents, while protecting personal information.

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과제정보

This work was supported by the Research Project on the Health Effects of Radiation funded by the Ministry of the Environment Japan (FY2019). We thank our co-researchers in the project. The authors declare no conflict of interest in relation to this article.

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