Engagement In Preventive Behaviors Research Articles

Analyzing Optimism Bias, Risk Perception and Behavioral Outcomes in the Context of COVID-19 in the Autonomous University of Queretaro’s Community: A Pilot Study

Background: The coronavirus pandemic is a major health crisis that presents new and unprecedented challenges, including challenging how individuals deal with risk. Individuals’ perceptions and behavioral responses to the outbreak are essential determinants of the spread of COVID-19. Understanding individuals’ perceived risk provides insight into their engagement in preventive behavior. Optimism bias plays a significant role in the perceptions of those who underestimate their risk compared to others with similar risk. Objective: This pilot study aims to determine the level of optimism bias, risk perception and risk response for COVID-19 among a convenience sample from the UAQ community - and to analyze the relationship among behavioral outcomes and information seeking intentions with the previous indicators - in order to propose a model of behavior of residents of Queretaro that will be tested in a further study. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey designed on the Qualtrics platform. The survey was distributed to the UAQ community through an online platform: The Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro’s (UAQ) official Facebook page. Out of 1048 responses received, a total of 810 valid responses were included in the multivariate linear regression analyses to determine the relationship between optimism bias, risk perception, information seeking intentions, and behavioral outcomes. Results: Results showed that among this population, of which the majority had no previous conditions and did not contract COVID-19, there was a low level of optimism bias. The low levels of optimism bias are associated with a higher level of risk perception. These findings were also associated with high levels of information seeking intentions, specifically receiving information from relatives with public health or medical knowledge. The results show that among this population, fear was a significant determinant impacting safer decision-making and efforts to reduce exposure. Age and education of this population are also important factors to consider when analyzing the results of this study. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that decreased optimism bias is associated with increased risk perception which strengthens individuals’ motivation to take precautionary measures and preventive action during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is needed to expand on the theory and test the proposed model as well as inform policy decisions and public health campaigns to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Risk communication on behavioral responses during COVID-19 among general population in China: A rapid national study

ObjectivesTo describe the risk perception and behavioral responses among Chinese adults and to assess the associations of risk communication, risk perception, and behavioral adherence during the COVID-19 epidemic. MethodsA national cross-sectional survey was conducted in 31 provinces in China with a total number of 5039 effective questionnaires collected. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 risk communication factors, mask and soap supply, and engagement in preventive behaviors during the epidemic. Multivariable Logistic regression was used. ResultsAn overwhelmingly high prevalence of Chinese people was exposed to COVID-19 related risk communication messages (86.5%) and an overwhelming majority of respondents reported engagement in preventive behaviors (88.3%). Exposed to risk communication messages were positively associated with engaging in preventive behaviors, whereas, believing in misinformation were negatively associated with wearing masks when in public (p < 0.01). Respondents encountered an inadequate supplies of personal protection materials were negatively associated with their outdoor hygiene behaviors. People who were male, in an older age group, minorities, with lower education, with lower income, and lived in rural area showed lower exposures to risk communication messages. ConclusionsFuture risk communication practices are recommended to better monitor population risk perceptions and pay attention to socio-demographically disadvantaged people.

Changes in Preventive Behavior During the First 3 Months of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran.

Iran is facing a big challenge controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, and it is unclear to how individuals are engaging in preventive behaviors. This study aimed to investigate changes in preventive behaviors during the first 3 mo of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran. This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1477 adults aged 18 y and older in 31 provinces of Iran. Data were collected by an anonymous online questionnaire. Overall, engagement in preventive behaviors was relatively acceptable, and more than 45% of subjects always carried out all preventive behaviors. Engaging in all preventive behaviors had a peak in the second month and obviously declined during third month. Engagement in some preventive behaviors, such as "wearing a face mask" and "keeping a safe distance from others," was observed less than other behaviors. There was a statistically significant difference in the engagement in preventive behaviors by gender and occupation (P < 0.001). Although engagement in preventive behaviors was relatively acceptable for the first 2 mo of the outbreak, it has declined gradually. This is a warning for public health decision makers. COVID-19 is still a crucial issue in Iran, and it is necessary that government decision be based on the fact that Iranian people must live with a coronavirus for months, with full caution and compliance toward all preventive care protocols.

COVID-19 Prevalence, Risk Perceptions, and Preventive Behavior in Asymptomatic Latino Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AimsTo determine the prevalence, level of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk perception attitude and preventive behavior implemented by the Latino population in the United States of America (USA).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between July 25 and August 25, 2020, and included asymptomatic Latino participants (n=410) with no current/previous COVID-19 within a religious community in Maryland. Participants answered a questionnaire consisting of three components: patient demographics/socioeconomic status, COVID-19 risk perception, and precautionary behavior. Additionally, a focused history taking and physical examination were performed, and nasal swabs for COVID-19 testing were obtained.ResultsAround 80% of our study population was 35 years and older, considerably healthy, with only about a third reporting history of chronic disease (~80%); most were females (~66%). Of our participants, 90% lived under poverty; only ~6% had made it to college. When asked about the likelihood of acquiring COVID-19, 97.3% stated they have a low risk of getting infected. However, as we asked about the risk of individuals living in their neighborhood, state, and country, the rates changed to moderate to high (78.4%, 86.3%, and 86.6%, respectively). When asked about preventive behavior, 71.2% stated they never wear masks and 85.4% mentioned they never keep social distance. Additionally, 76 (18.5%) tested positive for COVID-19, whereas 64 (84.2%) developed symptoms at follow-up, 57 (75%) were hospitalized, and 4 (5.2%) died.ConclusionsOur study identified inadequate COVID-19 threat perception and lack of engagement in preventive behavior among a group of Latinos living in the USA. We believe that Latino communities across the USA are at markedly high risk of acquiring, spreading, and dying of COVID-19.

Chinese Public's Engagement in Preventive and Intervening Health Behaviors During the Early Breakout of COVID-19: Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundSince January 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) swept over China and then the world, causing a global public health crisis. People’s adoption of preventive and intervening behaviors is critical in curbing the spread of the virus.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate Chinese people’s adoption of health behaviors in responding to COVID-19 and to identify key determinants for their engagement.MethodsAn anonymous online questionnaire was distributed in early February 2020 among Mainland Chinese (18 years or older) to examine their engagement in preventive behaviors (eg, frequent handwashing, wearing masks, staying at home) and intervening behaviors (eg, advising family to wash hands frequently), and to explore potential determinants for their adoption of these health behaviors.ResultsOut of 2949 participants, 55.3% (n=1629) reported frequent engagement in preventive health behaviors, and over 84% (n=2493) performed at least one intervening health behavior. Greater engagement in preventive behaviors was found among participants who received higher education, were married, reported fewer barriers and greater benefits of engagement, reported greater self-efficacy and emotional support, had greater patient-centered communication before, had a greater media literacy level, and had greater new media and traditional media use for COVID-19 news. Greater engagement in intervening behaviors was observed among participants who were married, had lower income, reported greater benefits of health behaviors, had greater patient-centered communication before, had a lower media literacy level, and had a greater new media and traditional media use for COVID-19 news.ConclusionsParticipants’ engagement in coronavirus-related preventive and intervening behaviors was overall high, and the associations varied across demographic and psychosocial variables. Hence, customized health interventions that address the determinants for health behaviors are needed to improve people’s adherence to coronavirus-related behavior guidelines.

Internet Use, Risk Awareness, and Demographic Characteristics Associated With Engagement in Preventive Behaviors and Testing: Cross-Sectional Survey on COVID-19 in the United States.

BackgroundDuring the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, engagement in preventive behaviors and getting tested for the virus play a crucial role in protecting people from contracting the new coronavirus.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine how internet use, risk awareness, and demographic characteristics are associated with engagement in preventative behaviors and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on Amazon Mechanical Turk from April 10, 2020, to April 14, 2020. Participants’ internet use (in terms of the extent of receiving information pertaining to COVID-19), risk awareness (whether any immediate family members, close friends or relatives, or people in local communities tested positive for COVID-19), demographics (sex, age, ethnicity, income, education level, marital status, and employment status), as well as their engagement in preventative behaviors and testing were assessed.ResultsOur data included 979 valid responses from the United States. Participants who received more COVID-19–related health information online reported more frequent effort to engage in all types of preventive behaviors: wearing a facemask in public (odds ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% CI 1.34-1.79, P<.001), washing hands (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.35-1.85, P<.001), covering nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.52-2.10, P<.001), keeping social distance with others (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21-1.65, P<.001), staying home (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.20-1.62, P<.001), avoiding using public transportation (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.32-1.88, P<.001), and cleaning frequently used surfaces (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.34-1.79, P<.001). Compared with participants who did not have positive cases in their social circles, those who had immediate family members (OR 1.48, 95% CI 8.28-26.44, P<.001) or close friends and relatives (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.58-4.03, P<.001) who tested positive were more likely to get tested. Participants’ sex, age, ethnicity, marital status, and employment status were also associated with preventive behaviors and testing.ConclusionsOur findings revealed that the extent of receiving COVID-19–related information online, risk awareness, and demographic characteristics including sex, ethnicity, age, marital status, and employment status are key factors associated with US residents’ engagement in various preventive behaviors and testing for COVID-19.

Optimistic bias and preventive behavioral engagement in the context of COVID-19

BackgroundThe coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents a global crisis. To remain safe, individuals must take preventive measures. Health behavior theories suggest that perceived risk is a key determinant of engagement in preventive behavior. People often underestimate their risk for disease compared with similar others’, a phenomenon known as optimistic bias (OB).ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore how OB affected individuals' engagement in COVID-19 preventive behavior/intentions. Based on health behavior theories, this study considered risk perception and risk response as mediators of the relationship between OB and individuals’ preventive health behaviors and intentions.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional survey design. Online survey platforms were used to recruit U.S. adults. A total of 293 valid responses were included in the analyses. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship of OB to the respondents’ health information seeking intention and related behavioral outcomes.ResultsResults from the first regression model showed that OB was negatively related to risk perception. In other words, optimistically biased respondents perceived their risk of COVID-19 to be low. The second model demonstrated that perceived risk was related positively to affective responses to risk (e.g., worry and fear). That is, the lower their perceived risk of COVID-19, the less likely respondents were to feel anxiety and fear about this disease. Models 3 and 4 revealed positive relationships between risk response and respondents’ intentions and behaviors. Finally, the results supported a fully mediated pathway: OB → risk perception → risk response → information seeking intention and behavioral outcomes.ConclusionsThe study findings suggest that by decreasing their perceived risk and subsequent responses, optimistic bias can undermine individuals’ motivation to take precautions. To reduce this bias, the actual risk of COVID-19 should be reinforced.

The impacts of vulnerability, perceived risk, and fear on preventive behaviours against COVID-19

ABSTRACT The world has been under the negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic for the last few months. While people may take many preventive behaviours to minimize the risk, very little is known about the factors that can increase preventive behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the effects of vulnerability, perceived risk, and fear on preventive behaviours of COVID-19. The study used a sample of 4,536 Turkish adults (M = 30.33 ± 10.95 years) recruited from 17 March through 1 April 2020. Vulnerability, perceived risk, fear, and preventive behaviours were measured with self-rating scales. Participants mostly engaged in avoidance of public transportation and frequent handwashing as preventive behaviours. Women had a significantly higher vulnerability to, perceived risk, and fear of new coronavirus compared to men. Correlation results indicated that age, gender, education level, vulnerability, perceived risk, and fear were related to preventive behaviours. Regression results demonstrated that vulnerability, perceived risk, and fear accounted for a significant amount of variance in preventive behaviours over and above the effects of demographic variables. The results suggest that vulnerability, perceived risk, and fear can significantly increase engagement in preventive behaviours during the novel coronavirus pandemic. The results have important implications for research and practice.

Priority of Risk (But Not Perceived Magnitude of Risk) Predicts Improved Sun-Protection Behavior Following Genetic Counseling for Familial Melanoma.

Understanding multiple components of risk perceptions is important because perceived risk predicts engagement in prevention behaviors. To examine how multiple components of risk perceptions (perceived magnitude of and worry about risk, prioritization of the management of one's risk) changed following genetic counseling with or without test reporting, and to examine which of these components prospectively predicted improvements in sun-protection behavior 1 year later. A prospective, nonrandomized study design was used. Participants were 114 unaffected members of melanoma-prone families who (i) underwent genetic testing for a CDKN2A/p16 mutation (n = 69) or (ii) were at comparably elevated risk based on family history and underwent genetic counseling but not testing (no-test controls, n = 45). Participants reported risk perception components and sun-protection behavior at baseline, immediately following counseling, and 1 month and 1 year after counseling. Factor analysis indicated three risk components. Carriers reported increased perceived magnitude and priority of risk, but not cancer worry. No-test controls showed no changes in any risk perception. Among noncarriers, priority of risk remained high at all assessments, whereas magnitude of risk and cancer worry decreased. Of the three risk components, greater priority of risk uniquely predicted improved self-reported sun protection 1 year post-counseling. Priority of risk (i) seems to be a component of risk perceptions distinguishable from magnitude of risk and cancer worry, (ii) may be an important predictor of daily prevention behavior, and (iii) remained elevated 1 year following genetic counseling only for participants who received a positive melanoma genetic test result.

Media's effect on shaping knowledge, awareness risk perceptions and communication practices of pandemic COVID-19 among pharmacists.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19), an infection of the zoonotic coronavirus, is presenting a healthcare challenge around the globe. This study aims to assess the levels of disease knowledge and risk perception among pharmacists. We also recognize predictors of risk perception and perceived media roles. Methods This is a questionnaire-base cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was developed on a web-based platform and invitations were sent to pharmacists nationwide to participate in the study using social media applications. Results A total of 486 pharmacists participated in this study, where females were dominant (78.6%, n = 382). Most (40.4%, n = 198) pharmacists scored 4 out of 5 in basic disease knowledge, and more than half were able to recognize common methods of spread. Risk was highly perceived among participants, and was predicted by gender, living area, and having children (p < 0,05). Frequency of watching the media and sources of information also influenced both risk perception and perceived media roles. Conclusion Disease awareness among pharmacists, as well as risk perception must be considered for effective risk communication planning. The role of media in shaping perceptions should also be carefully studied to encourage compliance with government containment measures and engagement in preventive behaviors.

Gender and health literacy: men's health beliefs and behaviour in Trinidad.

Gender variations in health literacy have implications for engagement in preventive behaviours and the uptake of health services, especially in areas such as the Caribbean where there are marked disparities in life expectancy and health service utilization. A self-reported questionnaire was used to examine men's concepts of health, their help-seeking behaviours and their functional and interactive health literacy. Two hundred and forty-eight men across the life course participated at three sites in Trinidad. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, with free-text responses analysed thematically. Men were concerned about, and accepted responsibility for their own health but social norms concerning sickness and masculinity were barriers to accessing health services. Almost one-third (31.5%) sought advice from a healthcare service when they were last sick because they were prompted to do so by their wife/partner or family. Levels of functional and interactive health literacy were not high among older men, who were reliant on healthcare professionals to communicate health messages. There was an age divide in e-health literacy. There is little published evidence on men's health literacy, particularly from Caribbean countries such as Trinidad and Tobago. This study highlights the importance of the design and implementation of specific policies focusing on men's health. A major challenge is to engage with men who do not access health services.

PND76 ROLE OF MESSAGE FRAMING AND INVOLVEMENT ON INTENTION TO ENGAGE IN PREVENTIVE BEHAVIORS FOR COGNITIVE HEALTH MAINTENANCE

National organizations have highlighted the importance of effective communication in disseminating information about maintenance of cognitive health and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Based on psychosocial research concerning influence of message-framing and involvement (e.g., personal risk factors) on perceptions, judgements, and decisions towards preventive behaviors, the current study aimed at evaluating the effect of these factors on intention to engage in preventive behaviors for cognitive health maintenance. An experimental, cross-sectional factorial survey design was used to construct an online survey based on protection motivation theory (PMT). Message-framing (positive-framing and negative-framing) and involvement (Low and High) were the primary independent variables and PMT constructs of perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, response-efficacy, self-efficacy and intention to engage in recommended preventive behaviors were the dependent variables, all measured on a 7-point Likert scale. Structural equation modeling was used for model testing. Reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, ANCOVA and multiple linear regression were performed using SAS® version 9.2 at a priori significance level of 0.05. A total of 368 completed surveys were obtained. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that involvement had a significant positive association with perceived severity (p=0.0478), perceived vulnerability (p=0.0318) and intention (p=0.0001). Message framing had a significant positive association with perceived severity (p=0.0041) and perceived vulnerability (p=0.0007) but a negative association with self-efficacy (p=0.002). Path analysis indicated that message-framing had an indirect negative effect on intention. The study results indicated that higher involvement (personal risk factors) has a positive effect on PMT constructs towards improving engagement in preventive behaviors for cognitive health. Message-framing had a positive effect on perceived severity and vulnerability, negative effect on self-efficacy and a negative indirect effect on intention. The results highlight the importance of increasing awareness about personal risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and using appropriate message-framing in developing educational materials for cognitive health.

Health and lifestyle behaviors in colorectal cancer survivors with and without Lynch syndrome.

Lynch syndrome (LS), a hereditary cancer syndrome, accounts for approximately 3% of colorectal cancers (CRC). Positive health behaviors and surveillance are preventive strategies, but research on whether recommended behavioral guidelines are followed by individuals with LS is limited. Additional health education and promotion could be beneficial to the improved survivorship of CRC survivors. Explore health and lifestyle behaviors in CRC survivors with and without LS. We conducted a case-control study of CRC survivors with and without LS using a mailed questionnaire. Recruitment was conducted via patient registries at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (cases n = 33; controls n = 75) and through social media (cases n = 42). CRC survivors with and without LS in our study had substantially lower smoking prevalence (5.5% and 2.7%) compared to national prevalence (18.0%). However, they had higher levels of alcohol consumption (36.8% and 10.3% for male and female LS survivors, respectively, and 35.8% and 22.0% for male and female sporadic survivors, respectively) compared to national prevalence of 13.88% for males and 6.02% for females. Both groups of CRC survivors participate in negative health behaviors that impact survivorship. More research is needed to examine the relationship between personal engagement in preventive behaviors and patient-provider relationships to improve health behaviors and explore strategies for intervention. Additionally, better health education and lifestyle change recommendations would promote and reinforce positive health outcomes in the CRC population and especially in LS survivors.

The effect of HIV educational interventions on HIV-related knowledge, condom use, and HIV incidence in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAs high stigmatization of HIV and relatively low knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention measures persist in Sub-Saharan Africa, the improvement of HIV-related knowledge, and the evaluation of which types of interventions are most effective in this regard, is an important aspect of further prevention efforts. In addition, it is of interest to assess whether improvements in HIV-related knowledge may actually lead to increased engagement in preventive behaviours and ultimately lower HIV transmission. This study therefore aims to systematically review and meta-analyse the evidence for the effect of HIV-related knowledge interventions on 1) the improvement of HIV-related knowledge, 2) subsequent risk reduction behaviour (condom use), 3) lower incidence of HIV infection.MethodsA literature search was conducted using the Embase and Medline databases, returning 746 after duplicate removal. Following abstract and full-text screening, 36 studies were ultimately included in the final review. Meta-analyses were conducted in R, using random-effects models, for the HIV-related knowledge, condom use, and HIV incidence outcomes, where sufficient data were available.ResultsInterventions assessed in the reviewed studies varied, including computer-based interventions, mass media campaigns, and peer education interventions. The interventions were generally found to be effective at improving HIV-related knowledge in the target population, with 10 studies reporting improved knowledge of risk reduction through condom use in the intervention group (out of 11 studies reporting data for this outcome), with 6 reporting these differences as significant (p < 0.05). Regarding knowledge of transmission routes, studies assessing peer education interventions often reported significant improvements in the intervention group. Meta-analysis results showed significantly higher odds among the intervention groups of correct knowledge of: risk reduction through condom use (OR: 3.09, 95%CI: 1.83–5.22, p < 0.0001), sexual transmission of HIV (OR: 5.86, 95%CI: 2.65–12.97, p < 0.001) and transmission through sharps (OR: 4.35, 95%CI = 3.21–5.90, p < 0.001), but non-significantly lower odds of HIV infection (OR: 0.97, 95%CI: 0.66–1.41, p = 0.854).ConclusionPeer-education-based interventions appear to be particularly effective in facilitating the uptake of HIV-related knowledge, particularly pertaining to transmission routes. There is some evidence that improved knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention facilitates increased subsequent engagement in preventive measures, although this requires further exploration.Trial registrationPROSPERO Number: CRD42018090600

Using Risk Communication Strategies for Zika Virus Prevention and Control Driven by Community-Based Participatory Research.

Background: In this study, we use community-based participatory processes to engage community and academic partners in a meaningful exchange to identify and pilot test risk communication strategies for Zika virus prevention and control. Methods: Community members were actively involved in planning, developing, and implementing a risk communication initiative. Qualitative and quantitative data gathered through individual interviews, focus groups, and community advisory board input provided information for the identification of relevant risk communication strategies to increase the understanding about Zika virus and to promote behavior change. To examine its impact we obtained baseline and follow-up data from a random sample of 75 community residents. A face-to-face interview was conducted to assess community members’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding Zika virus infection. Results: Study activities focused on three risk communication strategies: Zika awareness health fair, health education through theater, and community forums and workshops. The risk communication initiative was implemented over a two-month period. Findings from baseline and follow-up data demonstrated significant positive changes in respondents’ recognition of personal and community responsibility for the prevention of Zika infection, increased knowledge of prevention strategies, and enhanced engagement in preventive behaviors for mosquito control. Conclusion: Our findings sustain the benefits of community based participatory research for the design and implementation of risk communication strategies that are relevant to enable residents in low-income communities to take informed decisions for the protection against Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

HIV-related knowledge in Nigeria: a 2003-2013 trend analysis

BackgroundGiven Nigeria’s status as the country with the second highest number of people living with HIV globally, and 9% of the total global burden of HIV being attributable to Nigeria alone in 2013, improving our understanding of the nature of the HIV epidemic in Nigeria is crucial. As HIV-related knowledge may be an important contributor to engagement in preventive behaviours, it is of interest to investigate trends in HIV-related knowledge in Nigeria with the purpose of informing future HIV prevention and education efforts. This study therefore aims to investigate trends in HIV-related knowledge in Nigeria between 2003 and 2013.MethodsData were derived from the 2003-2013 Nigerian Demographic and Health Surveys, and HIV-related knowledge scores were computed based on answers to HIV-related knowledge questions in the surveys. The significance of the difference between HIV-related knowledge across the time points was determined via the Kruskal-Wallis test, and changes in HIV-related knowledge were displayed graphically, stratified by relevant socio-demographic characteristics. ARIMA models were fit to the 2003 to 2013 trend data.ResultsAlthough there was generally a decrease in HIV-related knowledge across most knowledge domains in 2008, an overall increase was observed between 2003 and 2013. Unfortunately however, this was not the case for knowledge of mother-to-child transmission, which decreased between 2003 and 2013. The disparity in knowledge of HIV risk reduction between states also increased over time.ConclusionThese findings suggest that although HIV-related knowledge appears to be increasing overall, future HIV prevention and education programs should focus on specific knowledge domains such as mother-to-child transmission, and on specific states in which HIV-related knowledge remains low.

Cultural Effects on Cancer Prevention Behaviors: Fatalistic Cancer Beliefs and Risk Optimism Among Asians in Singapore

ABSTRACTAlthough culture is acknowledged as an important factor that influences health, little is known about cultural differences pertaining to cancer-related beliefs and prevention behaviors. This study examines two culturally influenced beliefs—fatalistic beliefs about cancer prevention, and optimistic beliefs about cancer risk—to identify reasons for cultural disparity in the engagement of cancer prevention behaviors. We utilized data from national surveys of European Americans in the United States (Health Information National Trends Survey 4, Cycle3; N = 1,139) and Asians in Singapore (N = 1,200) to make cultural comparisons. The odds of an Asian adhering to prevention recommendations were less than half the odds of a European American, with the exception of smoking avoidance. Compared to European Americans, Asians were more optimistic about their cancer risk both in an absolute and a comparative sense, and held stronger fatalistic beliefs about cancer prevention. Mediation analyses revealed that fatalistic beliefs and absolute risk optimism among Asians partially explain their lower engagement in prevention behaviors, whereas comparative risk optimism increases their likelihood of adhering to prevention behaviors. Our findings underscore the need for developing culturally targeted interventions in communicating cancer causes and prevention.

Control beliefs and engagement in hygienic and safety behaviours: the case of foodborne illness

Foodborne illness is an ever-growing concern in public health. Studies found that conventional training is not enough to cause employees to apply the hygiene and safety measures. The present study explores control and fatalistic beliefs as potential factors for explaining engagement in preventive actions. Two-hundred and seventeen employees of a fast-food restaurant (75 % of all staff) answered a questionnaire assessing their control beliefs, fatalistic beliefs, risk perception, and engagement in hygienic and safety behaviours. The results validated our hypotheses. Control beliefs were positively related to engagement in hygienic and safety behaviours (b = 0.43, p < 0.001). The inverse relation was observed for fatalistic beliefs (b = − 0.24, p < 0.001). The perceived effectiveness of the prescribed measures seems to be the best predictor of engagement in preventive behaviours, followed by perceived self-efficacy. To increase adherence to preventive measures, it is recommended to enhance staff’s self-efficacy and perceived effectiveness of these measures.

Non-communicable diseases and preventive health behaviors: a comparison of Hispanics nationally and those living along the US-Mexico border.

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising among US Hispanics, but few studies have examined the preventive health behaviors for these NCDs among Hispanics. This study compared the preventive health behaviors of smoke-free living, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and avoidance of heavy alcohol use in Hispanics in the United States and Hispanics living along the US-Mexico border.MethodsTwo weighted data sets with information on Hispanic populations were analyzed: 1) the national Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (n = 29,942) from 2009; and 2) the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (n = 1,439) recruited from the US-Mexico border between 2008–2011. To compare the preventive health behaviors of the samples, within a generalized estimating equation framework, weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted controlling for age, educational attainment, employment, language, and insurance status. Statistical tests were two-sided with a significance level set at 0.05.ResultsBoth samples reported low engagement in preventive behaviors. However, Hispanic males and females from the US-Mexico border were significantly less likely than the national sample to meet physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption guidelines. Also, Hispanic males from the US-Mexico border were more likely to engage in heavy alcohol use.ConclusionThe lack of preventive health behaviors among Hispanics living along the US-Mexico border presents a dire prospect for NCD control in the region. Multipronged approaches to address multiple behaviors should be considered.

Media Use and Health Behavior in H1N1 Flu Crisis: The Mediating Role of Perceived Knowledge and Fear

First detected in 2009, H1N1 flu has caused human causalities and become one of the top global health concerns. This study examined the relationship between the use of mass media for information about H1N1 flu and health-related behaviors. Past studies have focused primarily on the direct effects of media exposure on engagement in preventative behaviors. This study took a step forward by investigating the underlying mechanism in this relationship. Data from a web-based survey of college students showed that media use positively affected the likelihood of adopting preventative measures. Perceived knowledge and fear resulting from media exposure were important mediators of this process: Frequent exposure to media coverage of H1N1 flu led to higher levels of perceived knowledge and fear, which in turn translated into implementation of preventative measures.