Predicting intentions to practice COVID-19 preventative behaviors in the United States: A test of the risk perception attitude framework and the theory of normative social behavior

This study examined risk perceptions, efficacy beliefs, social norms, and their interactions as predictors of people’s intention to practice four COVID-19 preventative behaviors among a U.S. sample with quotas on age, sex, ethnicity, and region ( N = 336). This online survey found that perceived injunctive norms predicted intentions to clean and disinfect (β = 0.20), practice social distancing (β = 0.14), and wear a face mask (β = 0.24). Additionally, efficacy beliefs were found to attenuate the association between descriptive norm perceptions and intention to wash hands ( B = −0.15) and wear a face mask( B = −0.12). The results revealed the importance of considering both psychological and social factors to promote COVID-19 preventative behaviors.

Associations Among HIV Risk Perception, Sexual Health Efficacy, and Intent to Use PrEP Among Women: An Application of the Risk Perception Attitude Framework

HIV risk perception is a known determinant of HIV prevention behaviors among vulnerable populations. Lesser known is the combined influence of risk perception and efficacy beliefs on PrEP use. We examined the associations between levels of risk perception and strength of efficacy beliefs on intent to use PrEP in a sample of adult Black and Latina women. Guided by the risk perception attitudes (RPA) framework, we used cluster analysis to identify four interpretable groups. We ran analysis of covariance models to determine the relationship between membership in the RPA framework groups and intention to use PrEP. Among the 908 women, the mean age was 29.9 years and participants were Latina (69.4%) and Black (25.6%). Results of the analysis show that women with low perception of HIV risk and strong efficacy beliefs had significantly less intent to use PrEP than women with high risk perception and weak efficacy beliefs.

Safety Behaviors to Reduce Risk of Using Chemical Household Products: An Application of the Risk Perception Attitude Framework

Various chemical household products (CHPs) can make life more convenient; however, CHP users have higher rates of chemical exposure and are faced with the risk of accidents associated with using these products. Safe use of CHPs requires that individuals perform safety-related behaviors such as reading and following CHP risk information. As such, it may be worthwhile to apply the Risk Recognition Attitude (RPA) framework to classify groups of CHP users and investigate whether there is a difference in the safety behaviors between them. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to (a) examine social determinants of each group in the RPA framework, (b) identify different policies that would be effective for each group, and (c) provide evidence to inform the development of effective policies and risk communication strategies that encourage safety behaviors. The study included 1537 subjects and used an ANOVA with a post-hoc Tukey test to examine practices of the four groups in terms of two safety behaviors. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify factors that influence the classification of the group types. The results confirmed that safety behaviors associated with using CHPs differed according to weak levels of efficacy beliefs. Two groups of particular concern for low rates of safety behaviors were those with lower education and income levels. Recommendations include (a) customized safety policies and risk communications based on RPA characteristics, (b) distinctive messaging for different groups, (c) policy support for vulnerable populations, and (d) implementing ‘user-centered’ rather than ‘substance-centered’ policies and communications for the public.

Cruise Line Customers’ Responses to Risk and Crisis Communication Messages: An Application of the Risk Perception Attitude Framework

The main purpose of this study was to test cruise line customers’ responses to risk and crisis communication messages addressing health-related incidents on cruise ships. This study used norovirus infections as the context and the Risk Perception Attitude framework as the conceptual foundation. An experiment was conducted to test how communication messages affected cruise line customers’ information search behavior, safety perceptions, and cruise travel intentions. A total of 240 responses were included and analyzed. The results revealed group differences on the three outcome variables. The results also showed that safety perceptions mediated the relationship between participants’ RPAs and cruise travel intentions. Based on the findings, this study provided practical implications on how to develop effective risk and crisis communication messages. This study also highlighted the need for more empirical and theory-driven research in the area of tourism crisis communication.