scholarly journals Media, Trust in Government, and Risk Perception of COVID-19 in the Early Stage of Epidemic: An Analysis Based on Moderating Effect

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1597
Author(s):  
Tao Xu

Previous research has revealed that environmental, social, and cultural factors affect people’s risk perception of COVID-19, especially the influence of media and trust, while the dynamics of how they affect it is still not clear. Through the analysis of online survey data, this article shows that there are two opposed paths of action. Trust in the government will enhance people’s confidence in controlling COVID-19. It then moderates and decreases the effects of people’s level and frequency of concernon the risk perception (both cognition and worries) of COVID-19, on the contrary, obtaining information from unofficial channels also moderates and increases the effects of the people’s level and frequency of concern on the second dimension (worries) of risk perception of COVID-19 rather than the first dimension (cognition). These conclusions have important policy implications for the control of the COVID-19 epidemic all over the world.

Author(s):  
Fredy S. Monge-Rodríguez ◽  
He Jiang ◽  
Liwei Zhang ◽  
Andy Alvarado-Yepez ◽  
Anahí Cardona-Rivero ◽  
...  

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 708-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Mahmood ◽  
Vishanth Weerakkody ◽  
Weifeng Chen

We present an empirically tested conceptual model based on exit–voice theory to study the influence of information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government on citizen trust in government. We conceptualize and address the key factors affecting the influence of transformation of government on citizen trust, including government performance and transparency. Based on 313 survey responses from citizens in Bahrain, the top-ranked country in information and communications technology adoption in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, we test government performance and transparency as mediators between transformation of government and citizen trust. The resulting preliminary insights on the measurement and manifestation of citizen trust in the context of information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government have multiple policy implications and extend our understanding of how information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government can improve the government–citizen relationship and digital services adoption. Points for practitioners To fundamentally change the core functions of government, information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government must move beyond the simple digitization and web enabling of processes. Information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government has the potential to address declining citizen trust in government by improving transparency and performance. The success of information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government in Bahrain is attributable to its small size and demographic composition, the relative maturity of digital government initiatives, and the complete commitment of the government to information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government.


Author(s):  
Ezat Samadipour ◽  
Fatemeh Ghardashi ◽  
Nahid Aghaei

ABSTRACT Objective: How people behave in a crisis depends on their understanding and evaluation of risk and vulnerability. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the Iranians’ risk perception of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods: An online survey was applied, which resulted in the collection of information on demographics, the 5 dimensions of risk perception (cognitive, political, social, cultural, and emotional), and trust in the government among the Iranian users of social networks. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical tests of SPSS (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) software, and confirmatory factor analysis of Amos software. Results: A total of 364 persons from 20 provinces completed the questionnaire during February 25 to March 2, 2020. More than 80% of the participants believed that negligence and lack of close supervision of the authorities have led to the spread of COVID-19. The mean (SD) risk perception was 58.77 (± 10.11), indicating the medium level of risk perception of people. The second-order confirmatory factor analysis also indicated that cultural dimension had the highest positive correlation (0.96), emotional dimension had the highest negative correlation (-0.65), and social dimension had the least correlation with the risk perception model (0.08). Conclusion: Iranians’ risk perception of the COVID-19 outbreak is not optimal, and it seems necessary to improve it.


Obraz ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (32) ◽  
pp. 98-106
Author(s):  
Viktoriya Kolkutina

Introduction. The study was inspired by the desire to comprehend the process of nation-building in Ukraine in the first decades of the twentieth century, which emerged on the basis of socio-political, historical, social and cultural factors, the identification of constructive impulses of the mentally-helpless duality of the psychology of the Ukrainian movement and the ideological exhaustion and non-viability of political doctrines that were existing at that time. The purpose of the article is to study the image of Ukraine in the journalism of Dmitry Dontsov in the nationalistic aspect. Research methods. The dominant methods of research were hermeneutics (mostly the method of national and philosophical interpretation) and post-colonialism. With the help of them, the problem of the philosophy of national existence was interpreted and the phenomenon of the national-centered methodology of thinking was outlined, Dontsov’s understanding of beauty in journalism and literature has been updated. As a result of the work, it was determined that characters build a certain structure of foundations, which allows to test and study existential modes that destroy or, conversely, update, change the national coexistence. Alienation, separation, loneliness, indifference, tolerance, avoidance, humiliation are defective negative modes, which are opposed by the positive, author’s literary modes of national liberation struggle (disaster, faith, will, repentance, irony, glory, dream, earth, sun, share, hut, sea). On the basis of the practice of interpreting the modes of human existence, D. Dontsov unfolds a large-scale fantasy of the crippled current existence of Ukrainians, who are guilty of it themselves. The spectacles of a terrible catastrophe, hell, apocalyptic poetics, and symbolism, like a flash, multiply rapidly spiritual, and, hence, national devastation. Dontsov’s generalization of Shevchenko’s picture of the world is an exhortation to return to their own national independence, because of days and nights “pass”. The threatening figures of I. Pidkova and T. Tryasyla are disappearing, and Ukraine plunges into an inevitable spiritual and historical gap. Therefore the essayist visually reproduced the existential images of Shevchenko’s universe are transmitted not only to “save” the poet – it is an impetus for the salvation of the nation. It is clear that, as if from a first glance, the sufficiently approved theme of Ukraine, which finds its brightest expression in the work of both Ukrainian and world publicists, is realized absolutely in a new way in the portfolio of Dmitry Dontsov. This topic is expressed in a new and modern way, given the need for the more active involvement of D. Dontsov’s national-centric heritage in contemporary humanitarian work, in order to counteract the abusive strategies and practices of cultural imperialism and cosmopolitanism, in particular in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Keywords: journalism, the image of Ukraine, the national philosophical aspect


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248055
Author(s):  
Mohammed Majam ◽  
Alex Fischer ◽  
Jane Phiri ◽  
Francois Venter ◽  
Samanta T. Lalla-Edward

Introduction With over 500 000 infections and nearly 12 000 deaths, South Africa (SA) is the African epicenter of the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. SA has implemented a 5-stage Risk-Adjusted Strategy which includes a phased national lockdown, requiring social distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing face masks. Strict adherence to this strategy is crucial to reducing COVID-19 transmission, flattening the curve, and preventing resurgence. As part of the 22-country International Citizens Project COVID-19 (ICPcovid), this study aimed to describe the SA adherence to the Risk-Adjusted Strategy and identify determinants of adherence. Method During 24 April-15 May 2020, people were electronically invited, through social media platforms and a text blast, to complete an online survey, accessible via www.icpcovid.com. The survey investigated COVID-19 testing and preventative adherence measures, then used logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of adherence. Results There were 951 participants, with 731(76.9%) 25 to 54 years. Most (672;70.7%) were female, and 705(74.1%) had a university degree. Since the epidemic started, 529(55.6%) and 436(45.9%) participants stated they were eating healthier and taking more vitamins, respectively. Only 82(8.6%) had been COVID-19 tested, and 1(1.2%) tested positive. In public, 905(95.2%) socially distanced, however 99(10.4%) participants had recently attended meetings with over ten people. Regular hand washing was practiced by 907(95.4%) participants, 774(81.4%) wore face masks and 854(89.8%) stayed home when they experienced flu-like symptoms. The odds of adhering to the guidelines were lower among men versus women (AOR 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.528, 0.971) and those who had flu-like symptoms (AOR 0.42, 95% CI = 0.277, 0.628). In contrast, increased odds were reported for those who reported increased vitamin intake (AOR 1.37, 95% CI = 1.044,1.798), and were either cohabiting or married (AOR 1.39, 95% CI = 1.042,1.847). Conclusion Despite high reported adherence, face mask use and symptomatic individuals not self-isolating, were areas for improvement. However, these factors cannot solely account for SA’s increasing COVID-19 cases. Larger general population studies are needed to identify other adherence predictors for a strengthened SA COVID-19 response. While the government must continue to educate the entire population on preventative measures, provide personal protective equipment and stress the importance of adherence, there also needs to be implementation of prioritised prevention strategies for men and single individuals to address their demonstrated lower adherence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1268-1276
Author(s):  
Laxmi Kumari ◽  
Md. Mojibur Rahman

The present study aims at discourse analysis of Mundari Folktales of Jharkhand using sociocultural features. Discourse Analysis acts as an umbrella term for a rapidly growing field of research covering a wide range of different theoretical approaches and analytical emphases. It is assumed that different constructions of the world are represented in a number of ways. To understand different constructions, one needs to understand the factors that drive and shape the behavior of the people as individuals and collectively. The sociocultural discourse analysis focuses on the use of language as a social mode of thinking. The work of sociocultural theory is to explain how individual mental functioning is related to cultural, institutional, and historical context. This method will not only analyze words, sentences, expression, form and meaning but also analyze all kinds of social and cultural factors related to discourse. The intention behind the study is contribution to the repertoire of knowledge on Mundari folktales as an area which has remained unexplored over years. Despite being one of the major tribes of Jharkhand, these indigenous lives have not been a part of scholarly research yet. The tales are collected by different people and they are translated also but discourse study of the tales has not been dealt yet. Through the study of the tales one can learn their customs, culture, rituals, social activities and way of living. The emphases will be on analyzing people, their culture and society through the language used in the text.


Author(s):  
Sander van der Linden

Individuals, both within and between different countries, vary substantially in the extent to which they view climate change as a risk. What could explain such variation in climate change risk perception around the world? Climate change is relatively unique as a risk in the sense that it is difficult for people to experience directly or even detect on a purely perceptual or sensory level. In fact, research across the social and behavioral sciences has shown that although people might correctly perceive some changes in long-term climate conditions, psychological factors are often much more influential in determining how the public perceives the risk of climate change. Indeed, decades of research has shown that cognitive, affective, social, and cultural factors all greatly influence the public’s perception of risk, and that these factors, in turn, often interact with each other in complex ways. Yet, although a wide variety of cognitive, experiential, socio-cultural and demographic characteristics have all proven to be relevant, are there certain factors that systematically stand out in explaining and predicting climate change risk perception around the world? And even if so, what do we mean, exactly, by the term “risk perception” and to what extent does the way in which risk perception is measured influence the outcome? Last but certainly not least, how important is public concern about climate change in determining people’s level of behavioral engagement and policy-support for the issue?


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 558-566
Author(s):  
Kiran Srinivas B ◽  
Gayatri Devi R ◽  
Yuvaraj Babu K

Coronavirus disease [Covid 19] is an infectious communicable disease causing severe causality among the world’s population. A communicable disease with high intense spread rates originated from China. As a result the world has locked all its gates, prevails in the entire world. Economy the most affected sector in any country, daily life living is now restricted. The main aim of this study is to test the knowledge and create awareness on various attributes that are related to the Indian economy among the Trichy population. A self assessed questionnaire containing 14 questions about Indian economy during COVID 19 were framed and was shared through an online survey platform. The questionnaire was passed to 109 individuals. Responses from them were collected and were through SPSS. Many residents from Trichy are aware about various aspects that affect our economy. Most of the responses from them were relevant and correct, emphasizing that they are already aware in these fields. Pandemic plays an important role in deciding a country’s economy. It shows its effects on all sectors of the government. Measures should be adopted by the citizens in order to escape from this economic fever.


1996 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
James S. Frideres

Canada has accepted immigrants since the turn of the century and has been a major player in the world wide movement of people. However, until the 1960s, most immigrants were white and from Western Europe. By the late 60s, Canada's immigration policy took on a more universalistic criteria and immigrants from around the world were able to enter. In 1971, Canada established a multicultural policy, reflecting the multi-ethnic composition of Canadian society. However, a quarter century later, economic and ideological pressures have forced the government of the day to rethink its immigration policy. The present paper reviews Canadian immigration policy and assesses the current situation. An analysis of the 1994 immigration consultation process is presented which led to the new changes in immigration policy. Recent changes in the organizational structure of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration and its policy are evaluated. The implications of the new immigration policy are discussed, particularly as it relates to Asian immigration.


2014 ◽  
Vol 60 (No. 9) ◽  
pp. 406-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.H. Park ◽  
D. Cho

This study discusses and calibrates a pioneered model of estimating the payoffs for the farming-asset pension (FAP), which is to comprehensively integrate the components of farming assets into the recently implemented farmland pension (FP) in South Korea. The FP was introduced first in the world so that farmland may be liquidated by the lifetime mortgage of farmland. However, it differs from conventional lifetime or reverse mortgages because its annuity program is implemented by the government according to the actuarial model whose variables are adjustable from the viewpoint of the elderly welfare. By introducing a simple standard of comprehensive farming assets into the FP model, the FAP model augments this social security measure, the step-by-step improvement of which is also expected to formulate the future policy implications of regional economic revitalisation as well as the elderly welfare for other countries.  


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