scholarly journals Authorized, Clear and Timely Communication of Risk to Guide Public Perception and Action: Lessons of COVID-19 From China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ni Gong ◽  
Jing Liao ◽  
Xiaoyuan Jin ◽  
Yundong Li ◽  
Meifen Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perception And Action ◽  
Release Time ◽  
Information Quantity ◽  
Government Websites ◽  
Available Information

Abstract Backgrounds: This study examined the dynamic association between risk communication and public’s risk perception and action across the COVID-19 outbreak timeline in China.Methods: Publicly available information on COVID-19 was collected by Parehub tool for official channels (e.g. government websites and official media), and by Zhongyun Big Data Platform for mainstream Chinese social media (e.g. TikTok, Weibo, etc.). Information was examined by its release channels, content and release time. An online survey was conducted via WeChat across 33 provinces and municipalities of China to assess changes in participants’ risk perception and action against COVID-19. Information content and release-time trajectories were examined against the public’s risk perception and actions over time.Results: Altogether, 1,477 pieces of authorized information and 297,000 pieces of short videos on COVID-19 were retrieved from official channels and social media. Our online survey of 1,311 responds (25-60 years, 42% male) indicated that participants mainly relied on official channels to obtain information. Alongside the progress of the outbreak, there was a gradual rise in information quantity, publishing frequency, and content variation. Correspondingly, the public’s risk perception that “take it seriously" rose from 13% to 80%, 87.1% of who took “multiple actions” compared to 25.9% initially.Conclusions: Our findings indicated that insufficient information freely-accessible at the early stages of the outbreak may nevertheless lead to the lack of risk awareness and inadequate protective actions of the public. Given the current global situation of COVID-19, the study highlights authorized, transparent, and timely two-way risk communication is vital to guide public perception and actions.

scholarly journals Authorized, Clear and Timely Communication of Risk to Guide Public Perception and Action: Lessons of COVID-19 from China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ni Gong ◽  
Jing Liao ◽  
Xiaoyuan Jin ◽  
Yundong Li ◽  
Meifen Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perception And Action ◽  
Release Time ◽  
Information Quantity ◽  
Government Websites ◽  
Available Information

Abstract Backgrounds: This study examined the dynamic association between risk communication and public’s risk perception and action across the COVID-19 outbreak timeline in China.Methods: Publicly available information on COVID-19 was collected by Parehub tool for official channels (e.g. government websites and official media), and by Zhongyun Big Data Platform for mainstream Chinese social media (e.g. TikTok, Weibo, etc.). Information was examined by its release channels, content and release time. An online survey was conducted via WeChat across 33 provinces and municipalities of China to assess changes in participants’ risk perception and action against COVID-19. Information content and release-time trajectories were examined against the public’s risk perception and actions over time.Results: Altogether, 1,477 pieces of authorized information and 297,000 pieces of short videos on COVID-19 were retrieved from official channels and social media. Our online survey of 1,311 responds (25-60 years, 42% male) indicated that participants mainly relied on official channels to obtain information. Alongside the progress of the outbreak, there was a gradual rise in information quantity, publishing frequency, and content variation. Correspondingly, the public’s risk perception that “take it seriously" rose from 13% to 80%, 87.1% of who took “multiple actions” compared to 25.9% initially.Conclusions: Our findings indicated that insufficient information freely-accessible at the early stages of the outbreak may nevertheless lead to the lack of risk awareness and inadequate protective actions of the public. Given the current global situation of COVID-19, the study highlights authorized, transparent, and timely two-way risk communication is vital to guide public perception and actions.

scholarly journals Authorized, clear and timely communication of risk to guide public perception and action: lessons of COVID-19 from China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ni Gong ◽  
Xiaoyuan Jin ◽  
Jing Liao ◽  
Yundong Li ◽  
Meifen Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perception And Action ◽  
Release Time ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Information Quantity ◽  
Government Websites ◽  
Public Datasets

Abstract Backgrounds This study examined the dynamic association between risk communication and the public’s risk perception and action across the COVID-19 outbreak timeline in China. Methods This study collected publicly available information on COVID-19 released on official channels (e.g., government websites and official media) by the Parehub tool. Also, the study used the Zhongyun Big Data Platform to search public datasets about released COVID-19 information on Chinese social media, such as TikTok and Weibo. An online survey was conducted via WeChat to Chinese citizens using a snowball sampling method. The questionnaire assessed changes in participants’ risk perception and action against COVID-19. The data analysis examined information content and release-time trajectories against the public’s risk perception and actions over time. Results Altogether, the collected data includes 1477 pieces of authorized information and 297,000 short videos on COVID-19. Of 1362 participants recruited from 33 provinces and municipalities of China, 1311 respondents (25–60 years, 42% male) were valid for future analysis. The study indicated that 85.7% of participants mainly relied on official channels to obtain information. Alongside the outbreak’s progress, there was a gradual rise in information quantity, publishing frequency, and content variation. Correspondingly, the public’s risk perception that “take it seriously” rose from 13 to 80%, 87.1% of those who took “multiple actions” compared to 25.9% initially. Conclusions Our findings indicated that insufficient information freely-accessible at the early stages of the outbreak might lead to the lack of risk awareness and the public’s inadequate protective actions. Given the current global situation of COVID-19, the study highlights authorized, transparent, and timely two-way risk communication is vital to guide public perception and actions. Furthermore, our study provides risk communication recommendations and may contribute to developing full measures to address future crises.

scholarly journals Public Perception of Data Visuals in Media Coverage During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Risk Perception Model Revisited

Tripodos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (47) ◽  
pp. 135-154
Author(s):  
Dilek Melike Uluçay ◽  
Gizem Melek ◽  
Deniz Özyurda-Ergen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The Public ◽  
Risk Elements ◽  
News Reports ◽  
Irreversible Effects ◽  
Perception Model

The aim of this research is to exam­ine the role that data visuals in media coverage play on the risk perception of the public in times of a pandemic. The article reports findings from an online survey of 191 adults regarding the trajectory of the risk perception model during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. We focused on eight state­ments clustered into three groups as indicators of the risk perception when the public came across with the data visuals: (1) the level of anxiety, fear and panic arousals, (2) the lev­el of lacking credibility and trust and (3) the level of impression regarding fatality, irreversible effects and cata­strophic consequences. For the survey, we selected 24 data visuals, which attracted the most interaction from Facebook and Twitter accounts of the seven most popular news outlets. We asked respondents to score eight items for each 24 data visuals of COVID-19 news reports. The results suggest that the respondents find the data present­ed in visuals credible and trustworthy and they agree that the visuals depict risk elements in many cases. Implica­tions of the low and high levels of risk perception regarding data visuals on media for the risk communication the­ory are discussed. Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, risk perception, data visuals, survey.

scholarly journals The effect of risk communication on preventive and protective Behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak: mediating role of risk perception

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Taghi Heydari ◽  
Leila Zarei ◽  
Ahmad Kalateh Sadati ◽  
Najmeh Moradi ◽  
Maryam Akbari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
And Control ◽  
New Evidence

Abstract Background The COVID-19 outbreak is a global pandemic, during which the community preventive and protective behaviors play a crucial role in the containment and control of infection. This study was designed to contribute to the existing knowledge on how risk communication (RC) and risk perception (RP) affect protective and preventive behaviors (PPB) during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods The required data were extracted from a national online survey of Iranian adults aged 15 and older during March 15–19, 2020 (n=3213). Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling. Results The study findings reveal that RC has direct and indirect positive effects on PB. Furthermore, this study also provides new evidence indicating that RP mediates the relationship between RC and PB and there is a two-way relationship between RC and RP. These interactions may have impact on risk communication strategies which should be adopted during this pandemic. Conclusion The study findings have remarkable implications for informing future communications as well as interventions during this ongoing outbreak and subsequent national risk events.

scholarly journals Psychological Factors Affecting Risk Perception of COVID-19: Evidence from Peru and China

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6513
Author(s):  
Fredy S. Monge-Rodríguez ◽  
He Jiang ◽  
Liwei Zhang ◽  
Andy Alvarado-Yepez ◽  
Anahí Cardona-Rivero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Government ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Health Field

COVID-19 has spread around the world, causing a global pandemic, and to date is impacting in various ways in both developed and developing countries. We know that the spread of this virus is through people’s behavior despite the perceived risks. Risk perception plays an important role in decision-making to prevent infection. Using data from the online survey of participants in Peru and China (N = 1594), data were collected between 8 July 31 and August 2020. We found that levels of risk perception are relatively moderate, but higher in Peru compared to China. In both countries, anxiety, threat perception, self-confidence, and sex were found to be significant predictors of risk perception; however, trust in the information received by government and experts was significant only in Peru, whereas self-confidence had a significant negative effect only for China. Risk communication should be implemented through information programs aimed at reducing anxiety and improving self-confidence, taking into consideration gender differences. In addition, the information generated by the government should be based on empirical sources. Finally, the implications for effective risk communication and its impacts on the health field are discussed.

scholarly journals Understanding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) risk perceptions among the public to enhance risk communication efforts: a practical approach for outbreaks, Finland, February 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Leena Lohiniva ◽  
Jussi Sane ◽  
Katja Sibenberg ◽  
Taneli Puumalainen ◽  
Mika Salminen
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Practical Approach ◽  
The Public ◽  
Media Messages ◽  
Risk Magnitude

Understanding risk perceptions of the public is critical for risk communication. In February 2020, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare started collecting weekly qualitative data on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) risk perception that informs risk communication efforts. The process is based on thematic analysis of emails and social media messages from the public and identifies factors linked to appraisal of risk magnitude, which are developed into risk communication recommendations together with health and communication experts.

scholarly journals Risk Perception of COVID−19 Community Transmission among the Spanish Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (23) ◽  
pp. 8967
Author(s):  
José Miguel Mansilla Domínguez ◽  
Isabel Font Jiménez ◽  
Angel Belzunegui Eraso ◽  
David Peña Otero ◽  
David Díaz Pérez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Spanish Population ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Set Up

On 11 March 2020 the SARS-CoV−2 virus was officially declared a pandemic and measures were set up in various countries to avoid its spread among the population. This paper aims to analyse the perception of risk of COVID−19 infection in the Spanish population. A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted with a total of 16,372 Spanish participants. An online survey was used to gather data for 5 consecutive days over the compulsory lockdown period which was established after the state of emergency was declared. There is an association between socio-demographic variables and risk perception, and a very strong relationship between this perception and contact and direct experience with the virus in a family, social or professional setting. We also found that compared to working from home, working outside the home increased the perception of risk of infection and the perception of worsening health. Understanding the public perception of the risk of COVID−19 infection is fundamental for establishing effective prevention measures.

scholarly journals Not all world leaders use Twitter in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: impact of the way of Angela Merkel on psychological distress, behaviour and risk perception

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 644-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Teufel ◽  
Adam Schweda ◽  
Nora Dörrie ◽  
Venja Musche ◽  
Madeleine Hetkamp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
German Population ◽  
The Public ◽  
Angela Merkel ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract At a time of growing governmental restrictions and ‘physical distancing’ in order to decelerate the spread of COVID-19, psychological challenges are increasing. Social media plays an important role in maintaining social contact as well as exerting political influence. World leaders use it not only to keep citizens informed but also to boost morale and manage people’s fears. However, some leaders do not follow this approach; an example is the German Chancellor. In a large online survey, we aimed to determine levels of COVID-19 fear, generalized anxiety, depression, safety behaviour, trust in government and risk perception in Germany. A total of 12 244 respondents participated during the period of restraint and the public shutdown in March 2020. Concurrent with the German Chancellor’s speech, a reduction of anxiety and depression was noticeable in the German population. It appears that, in addition to using social media platforms like Twitter, different—and sometimes more conservative—channels for providing information can also be effective.

scholarly journals Social media exposure, risk perception, preventive behaviors and attitudes during the COVID-19 epidemic in La Paz, Bolivia: A cross sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245859
Author(s):  
Diana Reyna Zeballos Rivas ◽  
Marinalda Lidia Lopez Jaldin ◽  
Blanca Nina Canaviri ◽  
Luisa Fabiola Portugal Escalante ◽  
Angela M. C. Alanes Fernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Exposure Risk ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
La Paz ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
And Behaviors

Social media has an important role in diffusion of information, during COVID-19 pandemic it could help to promote preventive behaviors, however its role and the pathway is still unclear. Objective To investigate the association among social media exposure, risk perception, preventive behaviors, and attitudes toward the COVID-19 epidemic in Bolivia. Methods We launched an online survey in La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia, during April and May 2020. The questionnaire examined: Socio-demographic factors, Social media use, Risk Perception, Preventive behaviors, attitudes and the willingness to use a vaccine if it were available in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic. A logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with risk perception and a structural equation model (SEM) was performed to explore the pathway of the relationship among social media exposure, risk perception and preventive behaviors and attitudes. Results Among 886 participants, the most were young adults, between 18–25 years old (73.4%) and 577 (65.1%) were female. During the the week before the survey 387 (43.7%) reported be exposure to social media Covid-19 information almost always or always. Moreover 304 (34.3%) were categorized as with a high risk perception. The multivariable analyses show that being female (aOR = 1.5, CI 95% 1.1–2.1) and having high exposure to Covid-19 information on social media (aOR = 2.5, CI 95% 1.3–5.3) were associated with a higher risk perception for Covid-19. Furthermore, SEM results indicated that risk perception is associated with the adoption of preventive behaviors and attitudes (β = 0.605, p < 0.001) including the acceptance of a vaccine if one were available (β = 0.388, p < 0.001). Conclusion Social media exposure to COVID-19 information influences the adoption of preventive attitudes and behaviors through shaping risk perception. Understanding the role of social media during the pandemic could help policymakers and communicators to develop better communication strategies that enable the population to adopt appropriate attitudes and behaviors.

scholarly journals Crisis Communication and Public Perception of COVID-19 Risk in the Era of Social Media

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen M C Malecki ◽  
Julie A Keating ◽  
Nasia Safdar
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Personal Control ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Public Understanding ◽  
Scientific Uncertainty ◽  
Late 20Th Century

Abstract A number of important principles in effective risk communication established in the late 20th century can provide important scientific insight into patient response to the risks posed by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Early risk communication scholars found acceptability of risk was shaped by 2 key components: hazard and outrage. The number of people who are exposed, infected, and fall ill can be considered the hazard. How the public and patients and respond to messages regarding risk mitigation relates to outrage. Social and cultural factors, immediacy, uncertainty, familiarity, personal control, scientific uncertainty, and trust in institutions and media all shape perception and response to risk mesaging. Outrage factors influence the ever-changing public understanding of COVID-19 risk. In concert, hazard and outrage along with cultural and economic context shape adherence to, and overall acceptance of, personal mitigation strategies including wearing facemasks and social distancing among the general public. The spread of misinformation on social media also provides both challenges and opportunities for clinicians. Social media offers an opportunity for experts to quickly convey true information about hazards, but offers others the opportunity to counter this with the spread of misinformation and exacerbate outrage. We propose strategies for infectious diseases clinicians to apply risk communication principles and frameworks to improve patient care and public message development in response to COVID-19.

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