The relationship between radon knowledge, concern and behavior, and health values, health locus of control and preventive health behaviors

Journal Article · · Health Education Quarterly; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/109019819101800305· OSTI ID:6261864

Kennedy, C J; Probart, C K; Dorman, S M ^[1]

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1. Gwinnett Hospital Systems, Lawrenceville, GA (United States)

Understanding similarities between health-related and radon-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors may suggest application of effective strategies of radon-related education in targeted populations. A mail survey was returned by 300 randomly selected homeowners in a community at risk for high home radon concentrations (50% response). While 64% were concerned, only 7% tested their homes. The expected association between radon knowledge, radon concern, and information-seeking was identified. In addition, those who tested their homes had greater knowledge and did more information seeking. Health values and radon concern were only weakly related. Environmental concern explained the greatest variance in radon concern (10%). Internal health locus of controls were more likely to have high radon concern. Of the preventive health behaviors, not smoking and seat belt use were the best predictors of variance in radon concern (5%). Segmenting the population is suggested for best educational outcome. Relating information to environmental issues may be helpful. Health-conscious people may need awareness of risks. Issues of self-control and radon testing and reduction may be helpful for some. Synergy between smoke and radon, compounded by smokers lack of concern suggests targeting smokers for education efforts.

• OSTI ID: 6261864
• Journal Information: Health Education Quarterly; (United States), Journal Name: Health Education Quarterly; (United States) Vol. 18:3; ISSN HEQUD; ISSN 0195-8402
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560161* -- Radionuclide Effects
Kinetics
& Toxicology-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AEROSOLS
ATTITUDES
COLLOIDS
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DISPERSIONS
EDUCATION
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
FEDERAL REGION IV
FLORIDA
FLUIDS
GASES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADON
RARE GASES
RESIDUES
RISK ASSESSMENT
SMOKES
SOLS
SYNERGISM
TOBACCO SMOKES
USA