Public Perceptions of Nanotechnology in Taiwan
Journal
Epidemiology
Journal Volume
22
Pages
S67
Date Issued
2011-01
Author(s)
Abstract
O-29C5-4 Background/Aims: We explore the public perceptions of nanotechnology in Taiwanese general population, analyze the correlations of familiarity, risk, benefit, and trust, and identify factors in determining risk perceptions. Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted by the Center for Survey Research, Academia Sinica in October, 2008, with a randomized sample of 2035 adults aged 18 years and older. Results: There were 87.9% of participants who had heard of nanotechnology, where there were higher percentages in women, younger, and higher education groups. Among those who had heard of nanotechnology, their familiarity, benefit, risk, and trust of nanotechnology were significantly different in gender, age, education, and marital status. Familiarity, benefit, risk, and trust were all correlated. General linear model analysis indicated that gender, age, education, benefit, trust, and optimism were the factors in determining risk perception. Conclusion: There was very high percentage of Taiwanese general population who had heard of nanotechnology. Other than gender, age, and education, trust and optimism of the technology play important roles in deciding risk perception of nanotechnology.
Type
journal article