Risk Perception in a Real-World Situation (COVID-19): How It Changes From 18 to 87 Years Old

Studies on age-related differences in risk perception in a real-world situation, such as the recent COVID-19 outbreak, showed that the risk perception of getting COVID-19 tends to decrease as age increases. This finding raised the question on what factors could explain risk perception in older adults. The present study examined age-related differences in risk perception in the early stages of COVID-19 lockdown, analyzing variables that can explain the differences in perception of risk at different ages. A total of 1,765 adults aged between 18 and 87 years old completed an online survey assessing perceived risk severity and risk vulnerability of getting COVID-19, sociodemographic status, emotional state, experience relating to COVID-19, and physical health status. Results showed that the older the participants, the lower the perceived vulnerability to getting COVID-19, but the higher the perceived severity. Different predictors explain the perception of risk severity and vulnerability at different ages. Overall, self-reported anxiety over the pandemic is a crucial predictor in explaining risk perceptions in all age groups. Theoretical and practical implications of the empirical findings are discussed.

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COVID-19 pandemic: Nigerians’ knowledge, perception and adherence to preventive measures

10.21203/rs.3.rs-49707/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Oyetunde Oyeyemi ◽

Victoria Oladoyin ◽

Oluyemi Okunlola ◽

Akinola Mosobalaje ◽

Ifeoluwa Oyeyemi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Risk ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Online Survey ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Age Groups ◽

Public Health Education ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Outbreak Response ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Correct Knowledge

Abstract Aims: One of the ways to manage the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is monitoring of public knowledge, risk perceptions, adherence to preventive measures and preparedness behaviors. This is of utmost importance in resource limited countries. This study determined the knowledge and perception about COVID-19; adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures; as well as predictors of self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 among Nigerian adults.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Nigerian adults ≥ 18 years using an online survey. Participants were recruited using the authors’ social networks. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 5% level of statistical significance.Results: Generally, a high proportion of respondents had correct knowledge about COVID-19. However, only about half (49.8% and 49.9%) had correct knowledge that obesity was a risk factor for COVID-19 and that antibiotics cannot be used to treat COVID-19. Most (84.1%) did not have a self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19. Most (81.0%) have been avoiding crowded places and 61.3% washed their hands very often. Predictors of self-perceived risk of COVID-19 were age 40-59 years (OR 2.05, CI 1.217-3.435), ≥ 60 years (OR 4.68, CI 1.888-11.583) and visiting crowded places (OR 2.27, CI 1.499-3.448).Conclusion: Our study recommends more rigorous public health education aimed at improving COVID-19 outbreak response in Nigerian. Also, physical and social distancing should be emphasized across all age groups with additional focus on the older population.

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Polarized nature of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: associations with population age structure and behaviours

Tropical Medicine and Health ◽

10.1186/s41182-021-00324-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Junko Okumura

Keyword(s):

Age Structure ◽

Public Transportation ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cumulative Number ◽

Population Age Structure ◽

Major Factors ◽

Drinking Places

Abstract Background Although the scale of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was relatively small in Japan compared with the rest of the world, the polarisation of areas into high- and low-COVID-19-incidence areas was observed among the 47 prefectures. The aims of this study were not only identifying the factors associated with the polarised COVID-19 pandemic in Japan but also discussing effective preventive measures. Methods This was an ecological study using online survey data which was cross-sectionally conducted by the author. A total of 6000 respondents who resided in 10 low- and 10 high-COVID-19 incidence prefectures, with a wide gap in terms of COVID-19 incidence, in Japan were recruited. Data on COVID-19 cases and geodemographic information were obtained from official government sites. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare variables between the two areas and age groups. Results This study revealed that that age influenced people’s behaviours and perceptions, except one behaviour of ‘wearing facemasks’. The major factors significantly associated with the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people were ‘commuting by private automobile’ (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.444; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.394–0.501), ‘commuting by public transportation’ (AOR, 6.813; 95% CI, 5.567–8.336), ‘washing hands’ (AOR, 1.233; 95% CI, 1.005–1.511), ‘opening windows regularly’ (AOR, 1.248; 95% CI, 1.104–1.412), ‘avoiding crowded places (AOR, 0.757; 95% CI, 0.641–0.893), ‘non-scheduled visits to drinking places’ (AOR, 1.212; 95% CI, 1.054–1.392) and ‘perceived risk of contracting COVID-19’ (AOR, 1.380; 95% CI, 1.180–1.612). These factors were strongly associated with age groups. Conclusions Effective preventive measures for COVID-19 transmission can be developed by understanding the characteristics of populated areas, such as public transportation infrastructure and younger people’s movements and behaviours in relation to the population age structure to contain the current epidemic and protect the most vulnerable elderly people.

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Innate Perception of Risk: Probability Ratio or Difference?

10.20944/preprints202012.0200.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Milind Watve ◽

Harshada Vidwans Dubey ◽

Rohini Kharate

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Risk Indicators ◽

Formal Training ◽

Perception Of Risk ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Behavioral Factor ◽

Formally Trained ◽

Question Survey ◽

Public Health Literature

In public health literature the risk of death or disease associated with a dietary, environmental of behavioral factor is most commonly denoted by odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR) or risk ratio (RR). The ratio indices have several desirable statistical properties. However, the most important question is whether there are some evolved innate norms of perception of risk that people use and what they are. We conducted a simple one question survey of 98 individuals with different age, sex, educational and professional backgrounds. The respondents were asked to judge the relative perceived risk of four different hypothetical habits for which data on the percentage of people affected by the disease with and without the habit was given. They were asked to rank the risks for the four habits. Results showed that the habits that had the highest difference between probability of acquiring the disease were ranked high on risk perception. The probability ratios did not affect risk perception significantly. Further age, sex, profession or formal training in statistics did not affect the response significantly. Even individuals that were formally trained to use OR and HR as risk indicators, preferred using probability differences over ratios for judging their own risk in the perceived context. This preliminary inquiry into intuitive statistical perception suggests that designing statistical indices based on people’s innate perception may be a better strategy than trying to train people to understand the indices designed by expert statisticians.

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Perceived Risk of Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses in the Continental United States

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10121562 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1562

Author(s):

Saul Lozano ◽

Jonathan Day ◽

Lilyana Ortega ◽

Maggie Silver ◽

Roxanne Connelly

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Risk Perception ◽

Vector Control ◽

News Media ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

The United States ◽

Transmission Risk ◽

Accurate Information ◽

Use Of Resources

The United States experienced local transmission of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the first time in 1999, and Zika Virus (ZIKV) in 2016. These introductions captured the public’s attention in varying degrees. The research presented here analyzes the disproportional perception of ZIKV risk compared to WNV transmission risk, by the public and vector control personnel. The risk perception of vector control was measured through purposive sampled interviews (24 interviews in 13 states; May 2020–June 2021), while the public’s perception was estimated from news publications (January 2000–December 2020), and Google searches (January 2004–December 2020). Over time, we observed a decrease in the frequency of press reporting and Google searches of both viruses with decreasing annual peaks in the summer. The highest peak of ZIKV news, and searches, surpassed that of WNV. We observed clear differences in the contents of the headlines for both viruses. We propose that the main reason in risk perception differences between the viruses were psychological. Zika infections (mosquito-borne and sexually transmitted) can result in devastating symptoms in fetuses and newborns, observations that frequently appeared in ZIKV-related headlines. Our results highlight the likely influence the news media has on risk perception and the need for public health agencies to play active roles in the conversation, helping disseminate timely and accurate information. Understanding the factors that shape risk perceptions of vector-borne diseases will hopefully lead to better use of resources by providing better guidance.

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Extreme events, risk perception, communication, and adaptation in the context of climate change: the case of an Andean community in Peru

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-9380 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fredy S. Monge-Rodríguez ◽

Andy Alvarado- Yepez

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Risk Perception ◽

Extreme Events ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Public Perception ◽

Theoretical Background ◽

Perception Of Risk ◽

Severe Storms ◽

Local Risk ◽

Adaptive Behaviours

Abstract:Introduction and theoretical background: The increase in extreme events as a result of climate change has serious consequences for the world (Bevacqua, Yu, & Zhang, 2018; Clark et al., 1998), with higher impacts on Andean communities, which are more vulnerable to its effects due to the scarce resources they have to cope with its effects. The study on local risk perception, as a strategy that allows people to be more aware of the hazard and therefore be more willing to deal with the eventuality of the hazard (Lopez and Marvan, 2018). Our study analyses experience with extreme events: severe storms, avalanches, droughts and floods. Furthermore, we analyze how experiences with extreme weather can be related to risk perception, communication, and adaptive behaviours.Methods: After a thorough pilot. We selected two interviewers, from the same community. To comply with COVID-19 health protocols, the questionnaire was implemented online. All questions were presented in a closed format. The total number of participants (N=200) belonged to the Phinaya community located at the bottom of the Quelccaya glacier (5650 mamsl). All gave their consent to participate voluntarily in the study.Results: 86% indicated having experienced drought or water shortage in the last 5 years between 1 and more than 3 times, 14% did not. Then 59% indicated that they had experienced storms between 1 and more than 3 times in the last 5 years, 41% indicated that they had not experienced any. Regarding floods, 21.5% indicated that they had experienced them, while 78.5% had not. 34.9 % indicated that they had experienced avalanches. 97.5% said they were very concerned about climate change. 82% received information on storms, 90% received information on droughts, 82% received information on floods, 51% received information on avalanches. There is a relationship between people who have had experiences with severe storms and those who have experienced landslides and avalanches. Regarding the perception of risk, we found differences between men and women. No clear relationship was identified between risk perception and extreme events. It is observed that communications about droughts influenced negatively on risk perception, the other extreme events did not show significant relations. Finally, with respect to adaptation behaviours, we found a positive relationship between experiences with storms, and perceptions of risk of climate change, greater perception of risk, greater willingness to develop adaptive behaviours.Conclusions: Most people have been exposed to more than one type of extreme events such as droughts and storms. This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationships between public perception of climate change in Andean communities and corroborates the important role of communication and adaptive behaviors in the context of risk perceptions.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17238967 ◽

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.

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Young Children's Exposure to and Ability to Eat Different Food Textures, as Reported by Parents (P11-119-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz048.p11-119-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Smith-Simpson ◽

Lisa Fries ◽

Carolyn Ross

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Age Groups ◽

Age Group ◽

Older Children ◽

Research Issues ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Food Texture ◽

Age Related ◽

Group Data ◽

Age Appropriate

Abstract Objectives The objective was to identify the age at which parents expose their children to different food textures and how challenging the textures were for their child to eat. It was hypothesized that older children would be exposed to a wider variety of food textures and that parents would consider a larger proportion of these textures to be easy to eat. Methods Parents (n = 365) in Grand Rapids, MI, USA with a child aged 6–36 months completed an online survey. The survey had 37 questions, including 15 unique food texture categories with food examples (Table 1). Parents were asked how difficult each texture category was for their child to eat using a 5-point scale ranging from “Very Easy” to “Very Difficult”, plus an option for “My child hasn't tried this yet”. Children were divided into 5 age groups (6-8 months, 9–12 months, 13–18 months, 19–24 months, 25–36 months) for analysis. Across texture category and age group, data were analyzed using analysis of variance, with mean separation accomplished using Fisher's LSD (P < 0.05). Results A majority of children in the youngest age group (6-8 months) had only eaten foods described as creamy, dissolvable, or pureed. All of the texture categories had been served to a majority of 9–12 month-old children, except for “hard” and “tough meat”. By 18 months of age, a majority of children had tried all food texture categories except “hard”. Across all age groups, creamy, dissolvable, and puree were rated as easy and “tough meat” was rated as difficult. The other textures showed age-related differences, with parents of older children reporting the textures as easier to eat than those of younger children. Food textures were compared within the 9–12 and 13–18 month age groups, when most new food textures are introduced, and similar trends were observed. The easiest textures were creamy, dissolvable, puree and soft, followed by lumpy and juicy, then slippery, chewy, rubbery, and sticky. The most difficult textures were leafy, with skin, hard, tough meat and combination of textures. Conclusions When considering textures of the foods that comprise a well-balanced, healthy diet, many foods are difficult for children to eat. Preparing foods such as green vegetables specifically to have age-appropriate textures could improve consumption. Funding Sources Washington State Univ College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Emerging Research Issues Grant.

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Modelling evacuation decision-making in the 2016 Chimney Tops 2 fire in Gatlinburg, TN

International Journal of Wildland Fire ◽

10.1071/wf20038 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (12) ◽

pp. 1120 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Erica D. Kuligowski ◽

Emily H. Walpole ◽

Ruggiero Lovreglio ◽

Sarah McCaffrey

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Risk Perception ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Decision Model ◽

Online Survey ◽

Protective Action ◽

Model Risk ◽

Protective Action Decision Model ◽

Online Sampling ◽

Wildfire Evacuation

As wildfires occurring at the wildland–urban interface (WUI) continue to become more severe, there is an increasing need to understand human behaviour in these situations, and evacuation decision-making in particular. To contribute to this understanding, an online survey (using both mail and online sampling methods) was disseminated to households impacted by the 2016 Chimney Tops 2 fire in Tennessee. The survey instrument measured pre-event variables such as awareness of fire risks and previous experience with evacuations as well as the types of warnings and fire cues received during the event, with a focus on factors known to impact evacuation decisions and risk perception. Using linear and logistic regression analyses, it was found that fire cues and receiving warnings from a trusted source influenced risk perceptions leading up to an evacuation decision. In line with the Protective Action Decision Model, risk perception also highly influenced evacuation decisions, along with other variables, i.e. gender and prior preparation actions. Results from this work provide support for findings from previous wildfire evacuation research as well as produce some novel findings, along with several methodological recommendations, which will be further explored.

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

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2017/5650926 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

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.

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Risk, Trust, and Flawed Assumptions: Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/57pwf ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽

Miriam S. Johnson ◽

Sara Ebling ◽

Ole Myklebust Amundsen ◽

Øyvind Halsøy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Adult Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

World Health ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Natural Immunity ◽

Factors Associated

Background: The pace at which the present pandemic and future public health crises involving viral infections are eradicated heavily depends on the availability and routine implementation of vaccines. This process is further affected by a willingness to vaccinate, embedded in the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy among the greatest threats to global health, calling for research to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon. Methods: The present study seeks to investigate the psychological, contextual, and sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination hesitancy in a large sample of the adult population. 4571 Norwegian adults were recruited through an online survey between January 23 to February 2, 2021. Subgroup analyses and multiple logistic regression was utilized to identify the covariates of vaccine hesitancy. Results: Several subgroups hesitant toward vaccination were identified, including males, rural residents, and parents with children below 18 years of age. No differences were found between natives and non-natives, across education or age groups. Individuals preferring unmonitored media platforms (e.g., information from peers, social media, online forums, and blogs) more frequently reported hesitance towards vaccination than those relying on information obtainment from source-verified platforms. Perceived risk of vaccination, belief in the superiority of natural immunity, fear concerning significant others being infected by the virus, and trust in health officials’ dissemination of vaccine-related information were identified as key variables related to vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: Given the heterogeneous range of variables associated with vaccine hesitancy, additional strategies to eradicate vaccination fears are called for aside from campaigns targeting the spread of false information. Responding to affective reactions in addition to involving other community leaders besides government and health officials present promising approaches that may aid in combating vaccination hesitation.

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