Radon risk perception and barriers for residential radon testing in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: The seriousness and long-term health effects of radon exposure are often underestimated due to inaccurate perceptions of radon risk. The aim of this study was to assess radon risk perception and barriers for residential radon levels testing among Obafemi Awolowo University faculty. Study design: A quantitative cross-sectional design was used for this study. Methods: Lecturers’ residents of the Obafemi Awolowo University participated in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 296 residents to assess their knowledge about radon and determine their perceived susceptibility to radon health risks. Data were analysed and summarised using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The respondents’ mean age was 43 ​± ​8.5 years and 71% were male. The study revealed that awareness of radon was low (46%), while 61% of respondents had poor knowledge. Only a fifth (19.5%) of the respondents had a high perceived risk of radon, and 70% were not aware of measures to detect radon in their respective homes. A majority (74%) of the respondents reported not knowing where to get a radon testing kit as a barrier to radon testing. Professional background (p ​< ​0.001), academic qualification (p ​< ​0.05) and designation/cadre (p ​< ​0.001) were the major determinants of radon knowledge among residents. Moreover, religion and profession were statistically significantly related to the perception of residents about radon risk (p ​< ​0.05). Conclusion: Despite having a high level of education, knowledge/awareness about radon health risks is low in the Obafemi Awolowo University faculty members; furthermore, lack of knowledge about house testing supplies are a significant barrier to residential testing.

Keywords

• Radon
• Knowledge
• Perception
• Risk
• Lecturers
• Radon testing