Cognition on nuclear power risk in residents around Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant

Objective To assess the attitude and cognition towards the risk of nuclear power,as well as their related factors,among the residents living in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant(NPP).Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 759 male and 780 female residents around the Qinshan NPP.The six groups were defined according to the different distances from the NPP:0,5,10,15,20,25,and 30 km.Results About 21.9% of interview ees supported the construction of the NPP in local area and 42.3% of them believed that the nuclear energy was safe.There were 93.3% of the interview ees believing that propaganda and education on nuclear power/NPPs was not sufficient in China.Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that male,low education,considering little influence of NPP on environment and daily life,and believing in the competency of central and local government to handle emergencies were positive factors on attitude tow ards NPP's construction.Furthermore,male,high education,considering little influence of NPP on health of residents,environment,and daily life,good familial economic status,and believing in the competency of local government to handle emergencies were positive factors on cognition of NPP's safety.Conclusion Gender,education,considerabion of the influence of NPP on environment and family,the competency of local government to handle emergencies were the major factors influencing the cognition of and attitudes tow ards NPP among the residents living near NPP.The results suggest that health education on nuclear radiation should be carried out among the target population.