APPLICATION OF STATISTICAL METHODS FOR THE PRELIMINARY VALIDATION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE INFLUENCE OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ABIOTICAL PHYSICAL FACTORS ON INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Abstract

Introduction. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas recognized as a major risk factor for lung cancer. In recent years, scientific interest has expanded to the influence of climatic factors on variations in indoor radon concentrations. Questionnaires are an important tool for collecting data on housing conditions, public perceptions, and awareness of radon-related risks.

The study aimed to perform a preliminary statistical validation of the questionnaire used to investigate the influence of internal and external physical abiotic factors on residential radon concentrations.

Materials and methods. The pilot study included indoor radon measurements in 20 dwellings over 50 days and a survey of residents. Questionnaire responses were coded using a Likert-type scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha for internal consistency, the Mann-Whitney test for group comparisons, and Spearman correlation analysis.

Results. Internal consistency was good for the radon knowledge scale (α = 0.78), moderate for health indicators (α = 0.61), and low for perceived climatic factors (α = 0.41). Postadministration validation identified shortcomings requiring methodological refinement in the climate perception section.

Conclusions. After optimization and validation in a larger sample, the questionnaire may be used in studies of radon-related risk factors and public health research.