Correlates of Perceived Nuclear Risk and Emergency Preparedness Near Czech Nuclear Power Plants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F00216224%3A14110%2F25%3A00141466" target="_blank" >RIV/00216224:14110/25:00141466 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44411-025-00206-5" target="_blank" >https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44411-025-00206-5</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s44411-025-00206-5" target="_blank" >10.1007/s44411-025-00206-5</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Correlates of Perceived Nuclear Risk and Emergency Preparedness Near Czech Nuclear Power Plants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Original language description

Background Nuclear power remains a central part of Czechia's energy strategy, yet public preparedness and psychological responses to potential nuclear incidents remain underexplored, particularly in relation to institutional communication. This study investigates how sociodemographic factors and perceptions of risk communication from CEZ influence nuclear risk perception, anxiety, and preparedness behaviors among residents living near two NPPs in Czechia. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 210 adults residing within 15 km of Dukovany and Temel &amp; iacute;n NPPs was conducted between April and November 2023. A structured self-administered questionnaire assessed demographic and health characteristics, perceptions of CEZ's risk communication, nuclear anxiety (catastrophism and peace advocacy), and preparedness behaviors (iodine tablet possession and awareness). Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multivariable regressions were performed. Statistical analyses were conducted at a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results Female gender, older age, and non-employment with CEZ were significantly associated with higher perceived risk and greater nuclear catastrophism. Perceptions of CEZ's communication as reliable and sufficient were associated with lower perceived risk and greater preparedness, including higher rates of iodine tablet possession and awareness of contraindications. Trust in institutional communication was a stronger predictor of preparedness than many sociodemographic factors. Notably, participants living near Dukovany NPP reported greater preparedness than those near Temel &amp; iacute;n NPP. Conclusions This study demonstrates that trust in institutional communication, alongside gender, age, and employment status, significantly shapes public perceptions and behaviors related to nuclear emergencies. Tailored, two-way communication strategies, grounded in transparency and local engagement, are critical to strengthening public trust, reducing anxiety, and enhancing preparedness across diverse populations.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

30304 - Public and environmental health

Project

<a href="/en/project/LX22NPO5101" target="_blank" >LX22NPO5101: The National Institute for Research on the Socioeconomic Impact of Diseases and Systemic Risks</a><br>

Continuities

P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)<br>S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Bratislava medical journal

ISSN

0006-9248

e-ISSN

—

Volume of the periodical

126

Issue of the periodical within the volume

9

Country of publishing house

GB - UNITED KINGDOM

Number of pages

14

Pages from-to

2396-2409

UT code for WoS article

001510364500001

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-105008290570