Radioactive pain relief: health care strategies and risk assessment among elderly persons with arthritis at radon health mines.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the use of radioactive radon therapy among persons with arthritis, and to explore their perceptions of risk versus benefit in using this therapy.

DESIGN

This was a qualitative study based on loosely-structured and open-ended interviews, which were then analyzed for themes and patterns.

SETTING

Participants in the study were recruited over a period of 5 years from clients of a radon health mine in southwestern Montana.

RESULTS

Sixty-two mine clients were interviewed, consisting of 36 women and 26 men, ranging in age from 60 to 92 years. Participants believed that radon therapy was an acceptable choice of treatment for arthritis. Perceived benefits of such therapy included more effective pain relief, avoidance of medication side-effects, lower cost, and increased quality of life. The possible future risk of lung cancer from radon exposure was seen as minimal when compared to the perceived benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Fear about radon and its possible health risks seemed to have little influence on the decision-making process for the study subjects.