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Association of Anxiety over Radiation Exposure and Acquisition of Knowledge Regarding Occupational Health Management in Operation Leader Candidates of Radioactivity Decontamination Workers in Fukushima, Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Tomoo Hidaka

    (Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima 960-1247, Japan)

  • Takeyasu Kakamu

    (Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima 960-1247, Japan)

  • Shota Endo

    (Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima 960-1247, Japan)

  • Hideaki Kasuga

    (Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima 960-1247, Japan)

  • Yusuke Masuishi

    (Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima 960-1247, Japan)

  • Tomohiro Kumagai

    (Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima 960-1247, Japan)

  • Sei Sato

    (Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima 960-1247, Japan)

  • Takuma Sasaki

    (Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima 960-1247, Japan)

  • Tetsuhito Fukushima

    (Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima 960-1247, Japan)

Abstract

An operation leader (OL) of radioactivity decontamination workers is required by law to have accurate knowledge of occupational health management (OHM) such as working environment management, control of operations, and health management as a field supervisor in Japan. The purpose of the current study is to examine the association between anxiety over radiation exposure and the possession/acquisition of the OHM knowledge required for OLs. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected before and after training sessions held by Fukushima Prefecture Labor Standard Associations in Fukushima, Japan, in 2017. Eighty-seven males who completed the questionnaires were enrolled to this study. As a result, acquisition of knowledge of working environment management was significantly associated with an increase of anxiety over radiation exposure after the session comparing the situation before and after the session (knowledge possession; odds ratio = 4.489; 95% confidence interval = 1.216, 16.571). In conclusion, acquisition of accurate knowledge of how to manage working environment management was associated with anxiety over radiation exposure. Although acquisition of said knowledge may contribute to the reduction of physical health risks, it may increase mental health risks. Both mental health support for OLs with accurate knowledge and educational support for those without accurate knowledge are required.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomoo Hidaka & Takeyasu Kakamu & Shota Endo & Hideaki Kasuga & Yusuke Masuishi & Tomohiro Kumagai & Sei Sato & Takuma Sasaki & Tetsuhito Fukushima, 2019. "Association of Anxiety over Radiation Exposure and Acquisition of Knowledge Regarding Occupational Health Management in Operation Leader Candidates of Radioactivity Decontamination Workers in Fukushim," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2019:i:1:p:228-:d:302772
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yoshitake Takebayashi & Yuliya Lyamzina & Yuriko Suzuki & Michio Murakami, 2017. "Risk Perception and Anxiety Regarding Radiation after the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident: A Systematic Qualitative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-13, October.
    2. Lennart Sjöberg, 1998. "Worry and Risk Perception," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(1), pages 85-93, February.
    3. Lennart Sjöberg & Britt‐Marie Drottz‐Sjöberg, 1991. "Knowledge and Risk Perception Among Nuclear Power Plant Employees," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 11(4), pages 607-618, December.
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    1. You Yeon Choi & Seung Yeol Yoo & Mihyun Yang & Ki Moon Seong, 2021. "The Current Safety Regulation for Radiation Emergency Medicine in Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-9, November.

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