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http://dx.doi.org/10.15269/JKSOEH.2015.25.4.516

Knowledge, Awareness and Health Risk Concerns on Occupational Exposure to Radiation among Firefighters in Korea  

Lee, Hyeongyeong (National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration)
Yoon, Hyeongwan (Department of Emergency Medical Technology, Jeonju Vision University)
Park, Jeongim (Department of Environmental Health, SoonChunHyang University)
Publication Information
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene / v.25, no.4, 2015 , pp. 516-524 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the current status of knowledge, awareness and health risk concerns on occupational radiation exposures among firefighters in Korea. The results will provide basic information for developing a prevention program to minimize adverse health effects relating to radiation exposure among firefighters. Methods: A questionnaire was composed of general characteristics of participants, and their knowledge, awareness, health risk concerns relating to occupational radiation exposure. It was distributed by email to all of 307 firefighters in Jeollabukdo in April 2014 and 259 of them (response rate 84.3%) were responded. Answers were analyzed for descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages. SPSS/WIN 18.0 program was utilized for statistical analysis of t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation. Results: The average score of radiation protection knowledge was $5.83{\pm}1.77$ ($average{\pm}SD$) out of 10. The score of awareness and health risk concerns on radiation exposure were 4.27, 3.94 out of 5, respectively. The results indicated that the knowledge on the characteristics of radiation was marginal among the firefighters, while the awareness and health risk concerns relating to radiation exposures were relatively higher comparing to other professions. Conclusions: Knowing the characteristics of potential risks is the first step for minimizing the adverse health effects relating to the risks. Therefore, it is necessary to provide adequate training and information on radiation and exposure protection methods for firefighters.
Keywords
awareness; firefighters; health concerns; knowledge; occupational radiation exposure;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 5  (Citation Analysis)
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