Understanding the Risk of Indoor Residential Radon Exposure and Readiness to Test among Health Workers

Abstract

This research work provides a detailed analysis of a cognitive survey conducted to assess the knowledge, risk perception, and readiness to test for indoor residential radon exposure among health workers in Ondo State, Nigeria. The central objective of this analysis is to synthesize the study's findings into a comprehensive and actionable framework for public health intervention. The investigation reveals a critical paradox: while the surveyed health workers possess a foundational understanding of radon, their overall awareness and, more importantly, their readiness to take preventative action remain insufficient. The most significant finding is a statistically validated, direct correlation between awareness and the willingness to test for radon exposure. This relationship, confirmed by a Pearson Chi-Square test, establishes that education is the most powerful lever for change. The analysis identifies a significant gap between the health workers' willingness to act and their capability to do so. This is not a failure of motivation but rather a systemic breakdown in providing the necessary logistical and financial support. Key barriers include a lack of knowledge regarding testing procedures, the unavailability of test kits, and the associated cost. This suggests that public health efforts must evolve from solely educational campaigns to integrate strategies that also address these structural and financial obstacles. The recommendations presented in this report focus on leveraging health workers as key communicators and empowering them with the resources and training required to serve as effective public health advocates. By addressing both the knowledge deficit and the logistical barriers, it is possible to transform a latent willingness to act into a robust, community-wide movement toward radon risk mitigation.