A Comparative Propensity-Matched Analysis to Explore the Knowledge and Risk Perception of Radon in Ghana and Italy

Abstract

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can pose significant health risks when it accumulates indoors. Despite the potential dangers, developing policy countries such as Ghana lack both legislation and a national average for radon levels in homes and workplaces. In contrast, Italy has implemented the European Directive EURATOM/59 through D.Lgs 101, establishing clear guidelines for radon monitoring and mitigation. This paper examines the differences in knowledge and awareness of radon gas risks between Italy and Ghana through a propensity score matched analysis of a survey. It is aimed at describing the current state of knowledge about radon, assessing awareness levels, and discussing the importance of addressing radon risks in Italy and Ghana. Key results after matching showed that Ghanaians reported more frequently that their house was not at risk (74% vs. 54%, p = 0.037) but were more extremely worried than Italians (13% vs. 2%, p < 0.001), answering that radon health risks were completely unacceptable (38% vs. 23%, p < 0.001). Findings also revealed that the Ghanaian population demonstrates a higher level of trust in their authorities (28% vs. 16% in the overall cohort and 29% vs. 21% in student subcohorts Ghanaian vs. Italian, respectively). Results on the matched subcohorts of undergraduates confirm that Ghanaian students are significantly more worried than Italian students about radon risks (averagely worried or higher 58% vs. 28%, p = 0.013) and deem radon risk less acceptable (unacceptable or lower 70% vs. 60%, p = 0.046).