scholarly journals Risk perception and optimism during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin J. Kuper-Smith ◽  
Lisa M. Doppelhofer ◽  
Yulia Oganian ◽  
Gabriela Rosenblau ◽  
Christoph W. Korn
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Optimism Bias ◽  
Comparative Optimism ◽  
Personal Risk ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Available Information

Slowing the spread of COVID-19 requires people to actively change their lives by following protective practices, such as physical distancing and disinfecting their hands. Perceptions about the personal risk of COVID-19 may affect compliance with these practices. In this study, we assessed risk perception and optimism about COVID-19 in a multinational (UK, USA and Germany), longitudinal design during the early stages of the pandemic (16 March 2020; 1 April 2020; 20 May 2020). Our main findings are that (i) people showed a comparative optimism bias about getting infected and infecting others, but not for getting severe symptoms, (ii) this optimism bias did not change over time, (iii) optimism bias seemed to relate to perceived level of control over the action, (iv) risk perception was linked to publicly available information about the disorder, (v) people reported adhering closely to protective measures but these measures did not seem to be related to risk perception, and (vi) risk perception was related to questions about stress and anxiety. In additional cross-sectional samples, we replicated our most important findings. Our open and partly preregistered results provide detailed descriptions of risk perceptions and optimistic beliefs during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in three Western countries.

scholarly journals Risk perception regarding the COVID-19 outbreak among the general population: a comparative Middle East survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Abdel Hameed Shahin ◽  
Rasha Mohammed Hussien
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
General Population ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background People’s perceptions of pandemic-associated risk are key factors contributing to increased public participation in disease preventive measures. The aim of the study was to investigate risk perceptions regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, among the general population. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 723 participants, recruited from the general population of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Data collection was performed using a standardized risk perception assessment questionnaire, in April 2020. Results The mean score for the perception of COVID-19 seriousness was significantly higher and the mean scores for the perception of disease susceptibility and extent of anxiety were also higher among Saudi Arabian participants than participants from Egypt and Jordan. Participants from Egypt had significantly lower mean scores for the perception of efficacy and self-efficacy to cope with COVID-19, and significantly lower intention to comply with COVID-19 precautionary measures than the other populations. A significant positive correlation was detected between the perception of COVID-19 seriousness and self-efficacy to handle COVID-19, for the entire sample. The primary reasons reported by participants driving their willingness to perform certain preventive measures against COVID-19 was a feeling of responsibility toward their own health, followed by preventing transmission to other people and the feeling that COVID-19 can be serious. Most of the study sample reported a desire to receive information about COVID-19 treatment, ways to prevent disease contraction, and the incubation period for the novel coronavirus. Also, most of the study sample reported that they prefer receiving COVID-19 updates from national authorities. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, communications designed to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors should focus on increasing the perception of seriousness, the risk perception, self-efficacy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effectiveness of the adopted behavioral measures for reducing risk. Health education programs that are tailored to various sociodemographic categories, to improve public awareness, perceptions, and attitudes, are vital for increasing the adoption of outbreak preventive measures.

scholarly journals Influence of trust on two different risk perceptions as an affective and cognitive dimension during Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in South Korea: serial cross-sectional surveys

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e033026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Won Mo Jang ◽  
Un-Na Kim ◽  
Deok Hyun Jang ◽  
Hyemin Jung ◽  
Sanghyun Cho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Middle East ◽  
General Population ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cognitive Risk ◽  
Household Economic Status ◽  
The Government

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the affective and cognitive risk perceptions in the general population of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) during the 2015 MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in South Korea and the influencing factors.DesignSerial cross-sectional design with four consecutive surveys.SettingNationwide general population in South Korea.ParticipantsOverall 4010 respondents (aged 19 years and over) from the general population during the MERS-CoV epidemic were included.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe main outcome measures were (1) affective risk perception, (2) cognitive risk perception, and (3) trust in the government. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors (demographic, socioeconomic, area and political orientation) associated with risk perceptions.ResultsBoth affective and cognitive risk perceptions decreased as the MERS-CoV epidemic progressed. Proportions of affective risk perception were higher in all surveys and slowly decreased compared with cognitive risk perception over time. Females (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.72–2.00; 95% CI 1.14 to 2.86) and lower self-reported household economic status respondents were more likely to perceive the affective risk. The older the adults, the higher the affective risk perception, but the lower the cognitive risk perception compared with younger adults. The respondents who had low trust in the government had higher affective (aOR 2.19–3.11; 95 CI 1.44 to 4.67) and cognitive (aOR 3.55–5.41; 95 CI 1.44 to 9.01) risk perceptions.ConclusionsThis study suggests that even if cognitive risk perception is dissolved, affective risk perception can continue during MERS-CoV epidemic. Risk perception associating factors (ie, gender, age and self-reported household economic status) appear to be noticeably different between affective and cognitive dimensions. It also indicates that trust in the government influences affective risk perception and cognitive risk perception. There is a need for further efforts to understand the mechanism regarding the general public’s risk perception for effective risk communication.

scholarly journals Assessment of Environmental Attitudes and Risk Perceptions among University Students in Mersin, Turkey

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulcin Yapici ◽  
Oya Ögenler ◽  
Ahmet Öner Kurt ◽  
Fazıl Koçaş ◽  
Tayyar Şaşmaz
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Environmental Risk ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Environmental Attitudes ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Environmental Risk Perception

Background. Environmental destruction is one of the most important problems in this century. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the environmental attitudes and perceived risks associated with environmental factors of the students. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 7 faculties of Mersin University. The research data were collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, the “Environmental Attitudes Scale,” and the “Environmental Risk Perception Scale.” 774 students who filled out questionnaires were evaluated. Results. The sample included 55.8% females. Environmental Attitudes Scale mean scores of students were identified as 81.1±11.3. The highest perceived risk was release of radioactive materials associated with nuclear power generation. The environmental attitudes and risk perception scores were higher in Health Sciences than in the other faculties. Females were more positive towards the environment and had higher risk perceptions than the men. There is a negative correlation between age and resource depletion risk and global environmental risk score. Conclusion. Students had a positive attitude to the environment and had moderate-level risk perception about the environment. Environmental awareness of students, especially those studying in the Social Sciences, should be increased. The environmental education curriculum should be revised throughout all the courses.

scholarly journals RISK PERCEPTION AMONG WORKERS WITH PREVIOUS OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS IN PRE-HOSPITAL SETTINGS

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Salomão Goulart ◽  
Laurelize Pereira Rocha ◽  
Deciane Pintanela de Carvalho ◽  
Edison Luiz Devos Barlem ◽  
Jamila Geri Tomaschewski-Barlem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Occupational Risks ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Heavy Loads

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the risk perception of workers with previous occupational accidents in Mobile Emergency Care Services. Method: this quantitative and analytical study with a cross-sectional design was conducted with 265 professionals working in pre-hospital settings from 57 cities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. An online questionnaire addressed sociodemographic characteristics, previous occupational accidents and the workers’ occupational risk perceptions rated on a five-point Likert scale. The analysis included descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation, median, and associations were verified using the Mann-Whitney test; the level of significance was established at p<0.05. Results: the occupational risks the workers more frequently reported were: exposure to blood (4.43); exposure to contaminated secretion/excretion (4.36); contact and handling of hygienization products (4.28); exposure to bacteria (4.25); lifting and transporting heavy loads (4.25); and exposure to viruses (4.23). A significant association was found between the risk perception of workers with previous occupational accidents and chemical (p=0.001), physical (p=0.006), ergonomic or psychological (p=0.000) risks, and accidents (p=0.000). Conclusion: association between the risk perception of workers who had previously experienced occupational accidents was significant, suggesting that workers may not identify or trivialize risks before they experience an accident. Therefore, actions are needed to encourage changes in behavior so that workers identify risks and prevent occupational accidents, such as adopting personal and collective protective equipment and improving the work conditions in pre-hospital settings.

scholarly journals Law enforcement officers ' risk perceptions toward on-duty motor-vehicle events

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hope M. Tiesman ◽  
Rebecca J. Heick ◽  
Srinivas Konda ◽  
Scott Hendricks
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Occupational Injury ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Law Enforcement Officers ◽  
Motor Vehicle Crash ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting

Purpose – Motor-vehicle-related events (MVEs) are the leading cause of on-duty death for law enforcement officers, yet little is known about how officers view this significant job hazard. The purpose of this paper is to explore officers’ motor-vehicle risk perception and examine how prior on-duty MVEs and the death or injury of a fellow officer influences this perception. Design/methodology/approach – A state-wide random sample of 136 law enforcement agencies was drawn using publically accessible databases, stratified on type and size of agency. In total, 60 agencies agreed to participate and a cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to 1,466 officers. Using six-point Likert scales, composite scores for motor-vehicle and intentional violence risk perception were derived. A linear regression multivariable model was used to examine factors affecting motor-vehicle risk perception. Findings – Motor-vehicle risk perception scores were significantly higher than intentional violence scores. A prior on-duty motor-vehicle crash, prior roadside incident, or knowledge of fellow officer’s injury or death from a MVE significantly increased motor-vehicle risk perception scores. After controlling for potential confounders though, only prior on-duty crashes and roadside incidents impacted motor-vehicle risk perception. Research limitations/implications – The study comprised primarily small, rural agencies and generalizability may be limited. Also, although the data were collected anonymously, reporting and response biases may affect these findings. Originality/value – This study involved a large and diverse cohort of officers and explored motor-vehicle risk perception. A better understanding of officers’ risk perceptions will assist in the development and implementation of occupational injury prevention programs, training, and policy.

scholarly journals Risk Perception of the Iranian Healthcare Workers Concerning the Covid-19 Crisis and the Factors Affecting it: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ezat Samadipour ◽  
Fatemeh Ghardashi ◽  
Roghayeh Zardosht ◽  
Fatemeh Borzoee ◽  
Elham Navipour
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Average Risk ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perception Score

Abstract Background: The emergent Covid-19 disease with conspicuous prevalence is putting the healthcare workers' job security at risk. The preventive behaviors in every individual have a close relationship with his/her risk perception of the risk factor. Hence the present study has been undertaken aiming at determining the Iranian healthcare workers' risk perception of the Covid-19 disease and the relevant effective factors. Methods: This anonymous online survey was conducted in March-April, 2020 using targeted snowball sampling among the Iranian healthcare workers. The data was collected via online-social networks using a questionnaire containing demographical specifications (5 questions), risk perceptions (20 questions), with five sub-scales including cognitive, cultural, political, social and emotional factors. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v.16 software.Results: From 165 participants, the youth (20-49 years of age) with 84% and the females with 60% constituted the majority of participants. The average risk perception score of the healthcare workers was 66.43±8.17. The Spearman correlation coefficient showed the significant direct relationship between the risk perception score and all the sub-scales at 0.01 significance level. The political and cultural factors had the highest correlation with the personnel risk perception (r > 0.75).Conclusion: Health workers did not have an excellent risk perception of the emergent Covid-19 disease.

scholarly journals Risk Perceptions during COVID-19 Pandemic: Applying Knowledge on Public Compliance to Protective Measures during SARS to Understand Risk Communication

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. p1
Author(s):  
Xingrui Chen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Pharmaceutical Treatment ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Confidence Levels ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Public Risk

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 has caused significant environmental and economic loss across the globe. The government’s promotion of non-pharmaceutical treatment such as social distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing can be equally important in disease control compared to the conventional use of pharmaceutical treatment. Risk perception is often used as an important mechanism to understand an individual's compliance with these protective measures. The present article examines the application of previous knowledge about public risk perception, decision making, and behavioral change to the current global pandemic and evaluates the most effective way of governmental messaging. The article analyzes empirical research conducted during COVID-19 across the globe where risk perception is found to be a strong determinant of people’s adoption of public health behavior. Demographic factors can significantly alter people’s understanding of risk due to the variation of individualistic view and prosociality of each nation. Cognitive biases can also affect people’s efficacy beliefs and confidence levels in government which can shape their risk perception to a great extent as well. Combining studies on both SARS and COVID-19, we are able to employ past knowledge to draw conclusions on risk communication and governmental promotion of protective measures during the current global pandemic.

scholarly journals Public risk perception and responsive behaviors in the United States, United Kingdom, and Brazil during the COVID-19 Pandemic: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anran Wang ◽  
Xiaolei Xiu ◽  
Sizhu Wu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
The United States ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Us

Abstract Background: Understanding public perception and behaviors toward COVID-19 is valuable for mitigating the severe epidemic. Our study aimed to investigate differences of the public from the US, UK, and Brazil on the aspects of the living environment, behaviors, attitude and risk perception. Methods: Dataset were taken from the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Survival Calculator project. 89554 respondents from the US (n=71812), UK (n=10392), and Brazil (n=7350) completed online questionnaire survey from April 28 to July 8. Frequencies and percentages were calculated to describe respondents’ responses. Chi-square tests with Holm-Bonferroni correction and binary logistic regression were used to determine the differences in environmental status, behaviors and worried degree of participants among the three countries, and further explore the sociodemographic characteristics related to protective measures. Results: Brazil participants had the highest risk perception to COVID-19, followed by the US, and the UK was the lowest (39.02±24.57 vs. 32.72±22.38 vs. 29.47+22.39, P<0.001). More Brazil participants expressed that they were worried about COVID-19. The proportion of respondents from the US and UK who reported they were not worried about COVID-19 was 2.00 times (95%CI: 1.80-2.23) and 3.24 times (95%CI: 2.88-3.65) that of Brazil. A higher percentage of Brazil respondents reported they were in close contact with more than ten people, using public transport and engaging in work. Regarding behaviors, social distancing (ranges:84.9%-86.8%) and washing hands (ranges:84.8%-90.3%) were the most frequently used protective measures, but respondents from the US (69.8%) and UK (15.8%) were relatively reluctant to wear masks. Moreover, it was found that participants from ethnic minorities were more likely to take protective measures. But males, respondents under 20 years, and respondents with poor economic conditions had various degrees of neglect to take steps. Meanwhile, healthcare workers also had a relatively stronger awareness of protection. Conclusion: There are significant differences in the environment, behaviors, attitude and risk perception of the public from the US, UK and Brazil. The sociodemographic subgroups analysis indicated that it is necessary to enhance protection publicity and support for specific groups. Our findings are conducive to the public health authorities to carry out more targeted publicity work of COVID-19 protection measures.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic and dental hygienists in Italy: a questionnaire survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuliana Bontà ◽  
Guglielmo Campus ◽  
Maria Grazia Cagetti
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Dental Hygienists ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Waiting Room ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Objective This online cross-sectional survey assesses the signs/symptoms, the protective measures taken and the awareness and risk perception regarding COVID-19 among Italian dental hygienists. All Italian dental hygienists were invited to participate. The ad hoc online questionnaire was divided into four domains: personal data, protective measures (−before patient arrival; −in the waiting room; −in the operating room) and PPE, awareness and risk perception. Results Two-thousand-seven-hundred-ninety-eight subjects participated. Only 0.25% of the sample was positive to the virus. Sense of fatigue (8.19%), headache (7.81%) and sore throat (7.32%) were the most common symptoms. A statistically significant trend across the areas with a different prevalence of COVID-19 was observed related to the number of signs/symptoms (areas z = 6.38 p < 0.01). Overall, 90.55% of the sample used protective glasses or visor, 90.10% disposable gloves and 82.80% surgical mask. Regarding the confidence to avoid the infection, a statistically significant difference was found among dental hygienists belonging to the 3 years-professional-experiences groups who worked in the high COVID-19 prevalence area. The findings of this survey show that Italian dental hygienists have modified their working habits according to the professional risk related to the current pandemic and they seem correctly prepared to face the risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals Convergent cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence for gaming-cue specific posterior parietal dysregulations in early stages of Internet Gaming Disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fangwen Yu ◽  
Rayna Sariyska ◽  
Bernd Lachmann ◽  
Qianqian Wang ◽  
Martin Reuter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Cue Reactivity ◽  
Internet Gaming Disorder ◽  
Gaming Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Internet Gaming ◽  
Posterior Parietal ◽  
Neural Reactivity ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

AbstractExaggerated reactivity to drug-cues and emotional dysregulations represent key symptoms of early stages of substance use disorders. The diagnostic criteria for (Internet) Gaming Disorder strongly resemble symptoms for substance-related addictions. However, previous cross-sections studies revealed inconsistent results with respect to neural cue reactivity and emotional dysregulations in these populations. To this end the present fMRI study applied a combined cross-sectional and prospective longitudinal design in excessive online gamers (n=37) and gaming-naïve controls (n=67). To separate gaming-associated changes from predisposing factors, gaming-naive subjects were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of daily Internet gaming or a non-gaming condition. At baseline and after the training subjects underwent an fMRI paradigm presenting gaming-related cues and non-gaming related emotional stimuli. Cross-sectional comparisons revealed gaming-cue specific enhanced valence attribution and neural reactivity in a parietal network, including the posterior cingulate/precuneus in excessive gamers as compared to gaming naïve-controls. Prospective analysis revealed that six weeks of gaming elevated valence ratings as well as neural cue-reactivity in a similar parietal network, specifically the posterior cingulate/precuneus in previously gaming-naïve controls. Together, the prospective longitudinal design did not reveal supporting evidence for altered emotional processing of non-gaming associated stimuli in excessive gamers while convergent evidence for increased emotional and neural reactivity to gaming-associated stimuli was observed. Findings suggest that exaggerated neural reactivity in posterior parietal regions engaged in self-referential processing already occur during early stages of regular gaming probably promoting continued engagement in gaming behavior.

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