Higher Levels Of Perceived Risk Research Articles

COVID-19 Knowledge, Risk Perception, and Precautionary Behavior among Medical Students in Egypt

Background: During clinical training, medical students may have close contact with COVID-19-infected patients. Lack of proper knowledge about COVID-19 dynamics and prevention makes them more liable to infection. Objective: To evaluate the level of awareness, precautionary behavior, and risk perception regarding COVID-19 and identify the factors motivating and hindering medical students to take preventive measures. Methods: A cross-sectional research study was conducted using an online questionnaire of medical students at Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt between June 1 and June 30, 2020. The questionnaire design was based on a literature review mainly on the domains of the standard risk perception questionnaire. Results: A total of 351 medical students (mean age of 21 ± 2 years) completed the questionnaire. Over 94% had a high level of knowledge, 96.9% scored at high level of practicing precautionary behavior, and 86.1% had a high level of risk perception. Precautionary behavior practices had significant negative correlation with the knowledge scores associated with COVID-19 and a significant positive correlation with risk perception score. There was a significant association between the precautionary behavior performance and risk perception levels (odds ratio = 4.14). Conclusion: Most medical students showed a high degree of COVID-19-related awareness, precautionary behavior, and perception of risk. Recommendations: There were students who did not practice or that showed a low risk perception as well as reported hindering factors for not practicing precautionary behaviors. Therefore, intensification of health education sessions to support adherence to precautionary measures is still required.

Portuguese version of the COVID-19 perceived risk scale – psychometric study

IntroductionRisk perception of COVID-19 is potentially a significant determinant of the pandemic evolution and the public’s response to it. Acceptable levels of risk perception can be considered good for people to effectively fight the pandemic and adopt preventive health behaviors while high levels of risk perception may be damaging. Recently, Yıldırım&Güler (2020) developed the Covid-19 Perceived Risk Scale (C19PRS) to measure this construct.ObjectivesTo analyze the psychometric properties of the C19PRS Portuguese version, namely construct validity, internal consistency and convergent validity.MethodsA community sample of 234 adults (75.6% women; mean age= 29.53±12.51; range:16-71) completed an on-line survey with the Portuguese versions of the CPRS and the Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-19S; Cabaços et al. 2020). The total sample was randomly divided in two sub-samples: sample A (n=117) was used to perform an exploratory factor analysis/EFA; sample B (n=117) to make a confirmatory factor analysis/CFA.ResultsEFA resulted in three components. CFA revealed that the second-order model with three factors presented good fit indexes (X2/df=1.471; CFI=.959; GFI=.948; TLI=.932; p[RMSEA≤.01]=.065). CPRS Cronbach alphas was α=.687; for F1 Worry, F2 Susceptibility to Covid-19 and F3 Susceptibility to Overall Morbimortality were α=.747, α=.813 and α=.543, respectively. The total and dimensional scores significantly correlated with FCV-19S (r>.30, p<.01).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for the validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of CPRS, which will be used in an ongoing research project on the relationship between Covid-19 perceived risk, perfectionism, cognitive processes and adherence to public health measures to contain the pandemic.

A11 RISK PERCEPTION AND KNOWLEDGE OF COVID-19 IN PATIENTS WITH CELIAC DISEASE

BackgroundCeliac disease (CeD) has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections, however, we recently demonstrated that the odds of contracting COVID-19 in patients with CeD is similar to that of the general population. Due to this discrepancy, how patients with CeD perceive their risk may differ from their actual risk.AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the risk perceptions for contracting COVID-19 in patients with CeD and to determine the factors that may influence their perceptions.MethodsWe distributed a survey throughout 10 countries between March and June 2020 and collected data on demographics, diet, COVID-19 testing, and risk perceptions of COVID-19 in patients with CeD. Participants were recruited through various celiac associations, clinic visits, and social media. Risk perception was assessed by asking individuals whether they believe patients with CeD are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the general population. Logistic regression was used to determine the influencing factors associated with COVID-19 risk perception, such as age, sex, adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), and comorbidities such as cardiac/respiratory conditions and diabetes. Data was presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs).ResultsA total of 10,737 participants with CeD completed the survey. From them, 6,019 (56.1%) patients with CeD perceived they were at a higher risk or were unsure if they were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the non-CeD population. A greater proportion of patients with CeD had high levels of COVID-19 risk perceptions when compared to infections in general (56.1% vs 26.7%; p<0.0001). Consequently, 28.8% reported taking extra COVID-19 precautions as a result of their CeD. Members of celiac associations had lower rates of perceiving an increased risk of COVID-19 when compared to non-members (49.5% vs 57.4%, p<0.0001). Older age (aOR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.9 to 1, p<0.001), male sex (aOR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.94, p=0.001), and strict adherence to a GFD (aOR: 0.89; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97, p=0.007) were associated with a lower perception of COVID-19 risk. Meanwhile, the presence of comorbidities was associated with a higher perception of COVID-19 risk (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.51, p<0.001).ConclusionsOverall, a large proportion of patients with CeD, particularly females, those with comorbidities, or those not adhering to a strict GFD, believed they were or were unsure if they were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their condition. As high levels of risk perception may increase an individual’s pandemic-related stress and contribute to negative mental health consequences, healthcare providers should maintain consistent communication with the celiac community and provide them with evidence-based recommendations.Figure 1.Country-specific risk perceptions of contracting COVID-19 in patients with CeDFunding AgenciesNone

Public Perception of Data Visuals in Media Coverage During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Risk Perception Model Revisited

The aim of this research is to exam­ine the role that data visuals in media coverage play on the risk perception of the public in times of a pandemic. The article reports findings from an online survey of 191 adults regarding the trajectory of the risk perception model during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. We focused on eight state­ments clustered into three groups as indicators of the risk perception when the public came across with the data visuals: (1) the level of anxiety, fear and panic arousals, (2) the lev­el of lacking credibility and trust and (3) the level of impression regarding fatality, irreversible effects and cata­strophic consequences. For the survey, we selected 24 data visuals, which attracted the most interaction from Facebook and Twitter accounts of the seven most popular news outlets. We asked respondents to score eight items for each 24 data visuals of COVID-19 news reports. The results suggest that the respondents find the data present­ed in visuals credible and trustworthy and they agree that the visuals depict risk elements in many cases. Implica­tions of the low and high levels of risk perception regarding data visuals on media for the risk communication the­ory are discussed. Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, risk perception, data visuals, survey.

Mediating Effects of Risk Perception on Association between Social Support and Coping with COVID-19: An Online Survey.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease which has had a great impact on the public. Further investigations are, therefore, needed to investigate how the public copes with COVID-19. This study aimed to develop a model to estimate the mediating effects of risk perception and confidence on the association between perceived social support and active coping with the COVID-19 pandemic among people in Taiwan. The data of 1970 participants recruited from a Facebook advertisement were analyzed. Perceived social support, active coping with COVID-19, risk perception and confidence were evaluated using self-administered questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was used to verify the direct and indirect effects between variables. The mediation model demonstrated that lower perceived social support was significantly associated with a higher level of active coping with COVID-19, and this was mediated by a higher level of risk perception. The present study identified the importance of risk perception on the public’s coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic and Outward Foreign Direct Investment: A Preliminary Note

Abstract Social-distance policy of most governments and the pandemic impact of corona virus (COVID-19) on human health are expected to shutter international investment and business environment. However, there is little or no study to show the early empirical evidence on this relationship, most especially its impacts on FDI flows in the economies. This note provides a preliminary evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on FDI outflows. Our data cover cross-sectional first quarter, average data; between 1 January – 31 March, 2020 from 43 countries. Using Ordinary least square (OLS) and Quantile regressions, we document that there is a positive relationship between COVID-19 confirmed cases and FDI outflows. In addition, there is a positive impact of COVID-19 related confirmed deaths on FDI outflows across all quartiles estimations. This means that COVID-19 pandemic fuels the foreign direct investment outflows. The major causes could be the reduction in the ability of firms to invest due to a shortage in the number of skilled employees because they care for their health safety, a decline in corporate profits and increase in cost of finance. In addition, the propensities to invest have been widely affected negatively in most economies. These factors also become obvious when most economies experience a very high level of risk perception in financial market.

Risk Perception, Protective Behaviors, and General Anxiety during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic among Affiliated Health Care Professionals in Taiwan: Comparisons with Frontline Health Care Professionals and the General Public.

This study aimed to compare risk perception, information sources, adoption of protective behaviors against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and levels of general anxiety among affiliated health care professionals, frontline health care professionals, and the general public in Taiwan. We recruited participants via a Facebook advertisement. We determined the risk perception, information sources, adoption of protective behaviors against COVID-19, and levels of general anxiety among 1954 respondents. In total, 269 affiliated healthcare workers, 371 frontline healthcare workers, and 1314 members of the general public were recruited into this study. The results indicated that both affiliated and frontline health care professionals had a higher level of risk perception of COVID-19, and more adopted protective behaviors against COVID-19 than the general public. No significant differences in risk perception or the adoption of protective behaviors were identified between affiliated, and frontline, health care professionals. Affiliated health care professionals had a lower level of general anxiety than the general public, whereas frontline health care professionals exhibited no significant difference in level of general anxiety compared with the general public or affiliated health care professionals. As important members of COVID-19 treatment teams, the need for psychological and educational support in affiliated health care professionals should receive attention.

Health Workers' knowledge and perception regarding the risk of spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic: A systematic review.

Certain Health Workers (HWs) may have inadequate knowledge and perceptions regarding COVID‐19. As a result, they may not be completely aware of the danger/risk involved, which could impact their ability to control the spread of the virus. This systematic review aims to enhance HWs' knowledge and their perception of the spread risk of COVID‐19 during the pandemic. A search was conducted in four databases (Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) to locate peer‐reviewed studies published in English between January 2020 and April 2020. Eventually, nine articles satisfied the inclusion criteria and were, therefore, included in the present study. Six of the aforementioned studies specifically investigated HWs' perception of risk. Apart from a study that indicated medium perception (min = 56.5%), all other studies found high levels of risk perception (n = 5, max 92.1%). As for HWs' knowledge, apart from two studies that indicated medium percentage levels (min = 56.5%), the rest of the studies report high percentages (n = 7, max = 93.2%). Two of the studies, which assessed the sources of information that HWs use, agree that social media is the most widely used source of information. The findings of this study suggest that HWs had a satisfactory perception of risk during the spread of COVID‐19. Although fields with medium knowledge levels were identified, HWs' overall knowledge may also be described as satisfactory. It is also noted that certain demographic characteristics (occupation, age, and years of experience) appear to affect HWs' knowledge and perceptions. The application of educational strategies aiming to provide continuous support to HWs is unanimously recommended by all studies.

Relationship Between COVID-19 Infection and Risk Perception, Knowledge, Attitude, and Four Nonpharmaceutical Interventions During the Late Period of the COVID-19 Epidemic in China: Online Cross-Sectional Survey of 8158 Adults.

BackgroundSo far, there have been no published population studies on the relationship between a COVID-19 infection and public risk perception, information source, knowledge, attitude, and behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak in China.ObjectiveThis study aims to understand the relationships between COVID-19 infection; four personal nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs; handwashing, proper coughing habits, social distancing, and mask wearing); and public risk perception, knowledge, attitude, and other social demographic variables.MethodsAn online survey of 8158 Chinese adults between February 22 and March 5, 2020, was conducted. Bivariate associations between categorical variables were examined using Fisher exact test. We also explored the determinants of four NPIs as well as their association with COVID-19 infection using logistic regression.ResultsOf 8158 adults included, 57 (0.73%) were infected with COVID-19. The overwhelming majority of respondents showed a positive attitude (n=8094, 99.2%), positive risk perception (n=8146, 99.9%), and high knowledge levels that were among the strongest predictors of the four adopted NPIs (handwashing: n=7895, 96.8%; proper coughing: 5997/6444, 93.1%; social distancing: n=7104/8158, 87.1%; and mask wearing: 5011/5120, 97.9%). There was an increased risk of COVID-19 infection for those who did not wash their hands (2.28% vs 0.65%; risk ratio [RR] 3.53, 95% CI 1.53-8.15; P=.009), did not practice proper coughing (1.79% vs 0.73%; RR 2.44, 95% CI 1.15-5.15; P=.03), did not practice social distancing (1.52% vs 0.58%; RR 2.63, 95% CI 1.48-4.67; P=.002), and did not wear a mask (7.41% vs 0.6%; RR 12.38, 95% CI 5.81-26.36; P<.001). For those who did practice all other three NPIs, wearing a mask was associated with a significantly reduced risk of infection compared to those who did not wear a mask (0.6% vs 16.7%; P=.04). Similarly, for those who did not practice all or part of the other three NPIs, wearing a mask was also associated with a significantly reduced risk of infection. In a penalized logistic regression model including all four NPIs, wearing a mask was the only significant predictor of COVID-19 infection among the four NPIs (odds ratio 7.20, 95% CI 2.24-23.11; P<.001).ConclusionsWe found high levels of risk perception, positive attitude, desirable knowledge, as well as a high level of adopting the four NPIs. The relevant knowledge, risk perception, and attitude were strong predictors of adapting the four NPIs. Mask wearing, among the four personal NPIs, was the most effective protective measure against COVID-19 infection, with added preventive effect among those who practiced all or part of the other three NPIs.

Climate change perception and adaptation of residents in Hong Kong

Climate change has induced increasingly alarming impacts on urban environment. Adaptation is one of the most common measures to mitigate the impacts and reduce vulnerability. This study explored the individual adaptation from a cognitive and psychological perspective that has rarely been adopted. The current study aims to measure the risk perception (RP) and perceived adaptive capacity (PAC) of individuals and explore the relationships of the two factors with the attitude and behavior on sustainable adaptation. Some 483 successful questionnaire samples were collected through telephone surveys in Hong Kong. Our major findings include: (1) the inconsistent results from regression analysis of PAC as a single construct and results from factors of PAC obtained from exploratory factor analysis; (2) higher level of PAC in terms of “Mental flexibility, knowledge and interest in global warming” promotes sustainable attitude on adaptation and frequency of use of electrical fan; (3) sustainable attitude of individuals is weaker when they perceive a high effectiveness in their adaptive action and availability of resource; and (4) individuals demonstrating higher level of risk perception uses air-conditioners more frequently. The results showed that some individuals might express maladaptations which may potentially lead to a deterioration of overall public adaptation and long-term sustainability in the society. Such an aberrant response would imply a need for education on concepts of risk and sustainability on climate change adaptation to rectify the misconception.

Risk Perception Towards COVID-19 and Its Associated Factors Among Waiters in Selected Towns of Southwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundWaiters working in hotels, pensions, restaurants, and cafeteria are more susceptible to COVID-19 and easily transmit the virus to others because they interact with almost all individuals who enter those establishments. However, information regarding their risk perception is scarce; hence, this study aimed to assess risk perception regarding COVID-19 and its associated factors among waiters working in the selected towns of southwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to 15, 2020. The interview-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi data manager version 4.0.2 and exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with risk perception. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used as a level of significance.ResultsA total of 416 waiters were interviewed, with a 98.6% response rate. The mean age of respondents was 27.26 (SD=8.35) years. More than half (53.4%) agreed that COVID-19 causes more deaths than other respiratory diseases. Regarding overall risk perception, two hundred twenty-two (53.4%) participants had high-risk perceptions concerning COVID-19. Risk perception was associated with age (β= 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.18), knowledge of COVID-19 (β=0.50, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.76) and preventive behaviors (β=0.62; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.90).ConclusionA higher level of risk perception was found regarding the COVID-19. Proper risk communication to promote protective behaviors is very essential since waiters are more at risk to be infected with COVID-19 and their infection with the virus has important public health implications.

People's Knowledge and Risk Perceptions of Invasive Plants in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Effective management of invasive plants conserves biodiversity values, reduces economic costs, and minimizes negative impacts on human health. Fostering people's awareness of invasive plants is one of the most cost-effective approaches in preventing the spread and introduction of invasive plants. Therefore, this study aims to understand (1) people's knowledge and risk perceptions, (2) associations between risk perceptions and demographics, and (3) people's willingness to support current management strategies in the Metro Vancouver region, British Columbia, Canada. An online survey was carried out and received 356 responses across the region. We found that people's knowledge and risk perceptions of invasive plants were ecologically oriented. Older respondents perceived higher risks of invasive plants. Among respondents of the same age, annual income higher than $50,000 was associated with higher levels of risk perception. Respondents who had professional and/or recreational group memberships perceived higher economic risks. Respondents highly supported activities that they could take part in directly, such as community invasive pulls and native species planting. Overall, our findings aid managers in allocating appropriate funding or tailoring outreach efforts to different aspects of invasive plants as well as groups/communities where people's knowledge and risk perceptions of invasive plants are low.

Positive Deviance for Dual-Method Promotion among Women in Uganda: A Qualitative Study.

Dual-method use is the most reliable form of protection against unintended pregnancies and human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infections (HIV/STIs). Although dual-method use remains uncommon among women in stable relationships, some women do practice it. In this study, we explored the barriers that make dual-method use rare and the behaviors of women who practice dual-method use using a positive deviance framework in Uganda. We screened 150 women using highly effective contraceptives at five health facilities. We identified nine women who practiced dual-method use and 141 women who did not. In a qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with all nine women practicing dual-method use and 10 women randomly selected out of the 141 who did not. We performed a thematic analysis using the positive deviance framework. Regardless of practicing dual-method use or not, women faced perceived barriers against dual-method use, such as partner’s objection, distrust, shyness about introducing condoms into marital relationships, and limited access to condoms. However, women practicing dual-method use had higher levels of risk perception about unintended pregnancies and HIV/STIs. They also engaged in unique behaviors, such as influencing their partners’ condom use by initiating discussions, educating their partners on sexual risks and condom use, and obtaining condoms by themselves. These findings will be useful in developing effective community-led and peer-based interventions promoting dual-method use to reduce the dual burden of unintended pregnancies and HIV/STIs among women in Uganda.

Analysis of Risk Perceptions and Related Factors Concerning COVID-19 Epidemic in Chongqing, China.

ObjectiveTo assess perceptions of risk and related factors concerning COVID-19 epidemic among residents in Chongqing city, China.MethodsWith convenience sampling, a web questionnaire survey was conducted among 476 residents living in Chongqing on February 13rd to 14th in 2020, when citizens just started to get back to work.ResultsResidents’ estimated perceived risks were (4.63 ± 0.57), (4.19 ± 0.76), (3.23 ± 0.91) and (2.29 ± 0.96) for the infectivity, pathogenicity, lethality and self-rated infection possibility of COVID-19, respectively. Females (OR = 4.234), people with income ≥ 2000 yuan (2000–4999 yuan: OR = 5.052, 5000–9999 yuan: OR = 4.301, ≥ 10,000 yuan: OR = 23.459), the married status (OR = 1.811), the divorced status, widows or widowers (OR = 3.038), people living with families including children (OR = 5.085) or chronic patients (OR = 2.423) had a higher perceived risk level, as well as people who used free media websites (OR = 1.756), community workers (OR = 4.064) or community information platforms (OR = 2.235) as main media information sources. The perceived risk increased by 4.9% for every one-year increase of age. People who used WeChat contacts (OR = 0.196) as the main media information source, reported a lower perceived risk.ConclusionResidents reported a high level of risk perception towards COVID-19 in Chongqing and it was impacted by the population demographic characteristics. Media information sources, including community information platforms and community workers may cause the increase of public risk perceptions.

Risk behaviour and people's attitude towards public authorities – A survey of 2007 UK and 2013 German floods

This paper reports on people's preparedness, perception and behaviour of flood risk as well as their trust and attitude towards public authorities in the flood context. Two areas were studied: Catcliffe, situated near Sheffield in the United Kingdom, which was severely flooded in 2007, and Passau in Bavaria, Germany, which was hit by an extreme flood in 2013. We conducted a survey in both study areas and collected data on risk perception, people's perceptions of their own preparedness, their use of information, trust in the authorities and evacuation behaviour. We found that although there were few significant differences between the two case studies, risk perception and risk preparedness was significantly higher in Catcliffe than in Passau and during the flood emergency people in Catcliffe see themselves acting more self-protectively (78%) than in Passau (42%). In both places, people who had direct experience of floods had a higher level of risk perception and preparedness compared to those with no previous experience. In both Catcliffe and Passau, trust in government was fairly low. Nevertheless, when people were asked the hypothetical question how they would react to a public evacuation order, almost 70% in Catcliffe and 80% of respondents in Passau would take immediate action to evacuate. Interestingly, the answer was similar when we asked the conflicting question whether the respondents would follow a public evacuation order although their family recommended not doing so.

Effect of attitudes towards traffic safety and risk perceptions on pedestrian behaviours in Vietnam

This study explores the relationships between attitudes towards traffic safety, risk perceptions and pedestrian behaviours in Vietnam. A questionnaire survey was conducted with a sample of 835 Vietnamese road users. The results from regression analyses and a structural equation model showed that safer attitudes towards traffic safety and higher levels of traffic risk perception are associated with safer pedestrian behaviours. In addition, traffic safety attitudes were found to partially mediate the association between traffic risk perception and pedestrian behaviour. Furthermore, traffic risk perception was significantly predicted by non-traffic risk perception, and people who had higher level of risk perceptions of both kinds were also prone to report safer attitudes towards traffic safety. The practical implications for traffic safety interventions in Vietnam are also discussed.

Effect of a Japanese drug alert pictogram on medication-taking/driving behavior

Objective: This study aimed to determine the usefulness and effects of a pictogram for alerting patients about drugs that affect driving in order to prevent traffic injury and maintain good adherence.Method: The participants comprised 600 men and 600 women aged 20–79 (49.58 ± 16.21) years, registered with an Internet research company. All were licensed to drive a car and were taking prescribed medication. The outcome measures were: 1) awareness of existing pictogram, 2) perceived driving risk after viewing the pictogram, 3) usefulness of the pictogram, and 4) medication-taking and driving behavior after viewing the pictogram.Results: Few respondents (5.4%) were aware of the Japanese pictogram issued by the Council for Appropriate Drug Use. Participants evaluated their driving risk as moderate-to-high (3.51 ± 0.69) after viewing the pictogram, and risk perception was higher among respondents in their 50 s and 60 s than among those in their 20 s. Across all respondents, the pictogram was rated as follows (on a 5-point Likert scale): effective for warning, 3.79 ± 0.90; informative, 3.75 ± 0.84; understandable meaning (comprehensibility), 3.90 ± 0.96; simplicity, 3.71 ± 0.95; and eye-catching, 3.60 ± 0.98. We defined the following as positive behavior: taking medication according to the instructions of a medical professional (good compliance), stopping driving, and consulting medical professionals. The positive behavior rate was 63.2%. Being shown the pictogram might lead to more positive medication-taking and driving behavior among respondents who are female and have lower driving frequency, higher levels of risk perception, and higher evaluation of the pictogram compared to their counterparts.Conclusion: A pictogram is a potentially useful and effective tool for communicating risk and supporting decision-making by supplying drivers with tailored information. However, we assume that some people who drive frequently must drive for work, go to the hospital, etc. It is essential, in these cases, for medical professionals to be more deeply involved with the patients and to maintain lines of communication by listening to patients’ descriptions of their everyday life. By adding these pictograms to the labeling of potentially driver-impairing medications (such as by putting them on the outer packaging, package inserts, and inner medicine containers), it is expected that they can better inform users regarding safe behavior and promote medication adherence.

Financial Planning Ability, Risk Perception and Household Portfolio Choice

ABSTRACT Using data from the 2014 China Family Panel Studies survey (CFPS), we investigate the effects of financial planning ability and risk perception on household portfolio choice. Our findings show that households with greater financial planning ability are more likely to invest in financial markets and hold a larger proportion of risky financial assets. The empirical results suggest that a higher level of risk perception leads to more market participation and risky assets holding. Compared with the insignificant effect of financial literacy, we find that financial planning ability significantly affects household investment earnings, and high financial planning ability tends to contribute to a positive investment return.

Efeito dos riscos percebidos sobre a confiança e as decisões de investimento e financiamento

Objective: Given the role of trust and risks perceived by the financial manager in his relationship with the financial institution, this study seeks to verify the moderating role of perceived risks in the relationship between trust and investment decisions and organizational financing. Method: The study was carried out through a survey of 232 financial managers. Originality: This study shows how the characteristics of the relationship between the financial manager and the financial institution influence the decision-making processes of investment and financing. Results: The results show that trust displays a positive linear effect on the investment decision, but it does not present a linear relationship with the financing decision. Higher levels of risk perception increase the effect of trust in the investment decision, while under conditions of low risk perception, trust influences the financing decision. Theoretical contributions: In theoretical terms, these results contribute to fill a gap in the search for the effects of manager's trust in the financial institution. Specifically, this study elucidated that trust displays a different effect on investment and financing decisions. Managerial contributions: Financial institutions may, concerning management, assess under which conditions establishing trust relationships are most important in determining investment or financing decisions by the financial manager.