Development of Risk Breakdown Structure for Online Learning Project during COVID-19 Crisis

This research aims to develop risk breakdown structure specifically for virtual learning projects in higher institution. Transition from physical face-to-face study into virtual learning practices during COVID-19 mitigation phase had been selected as main focus to construct risks identification. Opinions and experiences from 35 stakeholders in university level had been gathered and analyzed using triangulation and meta-language of risk statement methods, in order to maintain statements’ validity and quality based on project management’s standard. All registered risks were listed using universal risk breakdown structure format, which emphasized on three risk areas: internal, external, and technology, in order to categorize risk based on its sources and identify area with high exposure of risk. The result proposed 11 risk statements with highest exposure of risk on technology area. This result indicated that virtual learning organizers need to consider strategies and mitigation process in technology area, specifically on the infrastructure readiness, user capabilities, and communication gap inside the virtual environment.

Look, Puppies! A Visual Content Analysis of Required Risk Statements Embedded in Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising

Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) on television is a prominent source of information about medical conditions and their potential treatments. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that DTCA include a major statement presenting the medication’s most important risk information in a fair and balanced manner. However, there is growing concern about the visual content that accompanies this risk information within DTCA major statements. Specifically, the FDA has failed to provide guidance on how to measure DTCA’s adherence to the fair and balanced provision. This research introduces eight metrics organized into three categories to perform a visual content analysis of 230 existing DTCAs. Using these metrics, the authors test for differences in visual content between the major risk statement and the remaining portions of an ad. Our results indicate that the major risk statements of DTCAs feature more positive imagery, visually complex imagery, and motion than other portions of the ads. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for public policy makers, consumers, and marketers.

Effectiveness of Warning Labels at Increasing Awareness of Alcohol-Related Cancer Risk Among Heavy Drinkers

Background: Although alcoholic beverages were classed as a Group 1 carcinogen over a quarter of a century ago, there is a lack of public awareness of this cancer risk relative to other alcohol-related risks. Increasing drinkers’ awareness of the cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption has therefore been identified as an important component of alcohol harm minimization strategies, with mandatory health warning labels on alcoholic beverage containers considered an important component of such strategies. Aim: To assess the overall effectiveness of a warning statement advising of the cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption and effectiveness relative to statements advising of other health risks. Methods: An online survey was administered to 364 Australians (72% male) who reported drinking at levels associated with long-term risk of harm. Respondents were randomly exposed to one of five statements relating to the risks associated with alcohol consumption (cancer, liver damage, diabetes, mental illness, heart disease). Pre and post measures of risk beliefs and drinking intentions were taken. Results: Exposure to a warning statement advising of the cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption resulted in (i) a significant increase in the extent to which respondents exposed to that statement believed alcohol to be a risk factor for cancer and (ii) a significant reduction in consumption intentions. Exposure to the cancer risk statement was associated with the second largest pre to post change in consumption intentions behind the diabetes risk statement. Conclusion: Warning statements informing drinkers of the cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption can produce (i) increases in the awareness of alcohol-related cancer risk and (ii) favorable changes in drinking intentions.

Awareness and use of heated tobacco products among US adults, 2016–2017

IntroductionAlthough heated tobacco products (HTP) have been on and off the commercial market for the past three decades (eg, Premier, Eclipse and Accord), they have not received widespread consumer acceptance as an alternative to combustible cigarettes. This may change with recent product innovations, shifts in consumer preferences and the tobacco market landscape and a US regulatory environment that may permit an internationally available HTP to be sold in the USA, possibly with a reduced exposure or risk statement. This study examined the extent of awareness and use of HTP in the USA and assessed the characteristics of those aware of and using these products.MethodsData came from the 2016 and 2017 Tobacco Products and Risk Perceptions Surveys of national probability samples of US adults, conducted online during September–October 2016 (n=6014) and August–September 2017 (n=5992). Weighted χ2 tests and regression analyses examined changes in awareness and use of HTP between 2016 and 2017 and characteristics associated with awareness and use.ResultsFrom 2016 to 2017, awareness of HTP among US adults increased from 9.3% to 12.4% (p<0.001), ever use increased from 1.4% to 2.2% (p=0.005) and current use increased two fold, from 0.5% to 1.1% (p=0.004). Men and adults under age 45 years had higher rates of awareness than women and those 45 and older, respectively. Non-white adults, cigarette smokers and both current and former users of electronic nicotine delivery systems were more likely to be using HTP.ConclusionsAwareness and use of HTP in the USA are increasing. These products are more familiar to men and younger adults and may be being used disproportionately by racial/ethnic minorities. With increases in HTP availability and the potential for reduced-risk claims ahead, surveillance of patterns and consequences of use by both smokers and non-smokers is needed.