Maternal acceptability of radiation exposure to children. Relationship with maternal knowledge about radiation exposure influence on children

The maternal acceptability of radiation exposure to her children was examined and was compared with her knowledge about radiation exposure influence on children to prevent over-care to children. It is thought to be important to prevent excessive confusion or over-care to children due to lack of mother's knowledge and understanding about radiation in the case of nuclear accidents. A questionnaire survey was conducted and the results were tested by Wilcoxon signed rank test. It was found that the degree of knowledge increased the acceptability of the exposure. It leads to the conclusion that providing appropriate information to mothers on radiation exposure to children could improve their self-efficacy regarding care for their children and be effective in preventing over-care. (author)