Higher Levels Of Perceived Risk Research Articles

Earthquake attribution, risk perception, and self-efficacy: Tibetan Buddhism believers’ preparedness motivation

ABSTRACT Based on a survey conducted in Yushu area of China, this study reveals that among Tibetan Buddhism believers, earthquake attribution, risk perception, and self-efficacy (i.e. individuals’ belief in their own ability to accomplish a specific task) operate to collectively influence their motivation to prepare for earthquakes. Specifically, a stronger inclination to perceive earthquakes as natural phenomena, higher levels of risk perception in both cognitive and affective dimensions, and increased self-efficacy contribute to a greater intention for earthquake preparedness. Moreover, results of this study indicate that among these factors, self-efficacy plays the most significant role, followed by the affective dimension of risk perception, natural attribution of earthquakes, and cognitive dimension of risk perception. Interestingly, the study found no significant effects of supernatural attribution of earthquakes on respondents’ preparedness intention. These findings enhance our understanding of the formation mechanism behind individuals’ disaster awareness and behaviour, particularly among those with Buddhism beliefs.

Analyzing Risk Perception, Evacuation Decision and Delay Time: A Case Study of the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado

Climate change is increasing the threat of wildfires to populated areas, especially those within the wildland-urban interface (WUI). The 2021 Marshall fire forced the evacuation of over 30,000 people in Boulder, Jefferson and Adams Counties in Colorado, US. To improve our understanding of wildfire evacuation response, we surveyed individuals affected by the Marshall fire to analyze their evacuation decisions and resulting behavior. We used linear and logistic regression models to determine the factors influencing individuals’ risk perceptions, their decisions to evacuate or stay, and the associated evacuation delay times. We found higher levels of risk perception at the time of the evacuation decision were associated with higher levels of pre-fire perceived risk, having mid-level household income, the receipt of fire cues and having a medical condition. Increased pre-event risk perception increased the likelihood of evacuating, along with gender (female-identified), being aged between 55 and 64 years, and having a higher household income. On the other hand, having a prior awareness of wildfires had a negative effect on evacuation likelihood. Additionally, having previous experience with fire damage, owning their home, having a larger household size and being alerted later in the fire event reduced the delay time; whereas engaging in preparation activities and having children in the home led to longer delay times. These research findings can be used by emergency managers to better prepare WUI communities for future wildfire events.

Thoughts, perceptions and concerns of coastal residents regarding the discharge of tritium-containing treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean

BackgroundAs a part of the decontamination process after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident of 2011, 1.32 million tonnes of tritium-containing water will be discharged from the power plant into the Pacific Ocean. Although radiobiological impacts of the treated water discharge on the public and the environment were reported to be minimal, Tomioka and Okuma locals expressed unease regarding the long-term recovery of their towns, which are economically dependent on the agricultural, fishery, and tourism sectors. This study presents thoughts, perceptions and concerns of Tomioka and Okuma locals regarding the discharge of FDNPP-treated water containing tritium into the Pacific Ocean to facilitate a more inclusive decision-making process that respects local stakeholder interests.MethodsConducted from November to December 2022, surveys were mailed to current residents and evacuees aged 20 years or older registered with the town councils.ResultsOut of 1268 included responses, 71.5% were from those > 65 years. 65.6% were unemployed, 76.2% routinely visited hospitals, and 85.5% did not live with children. 61% did not want to return to Okuma/Tomioka. Anxiety about radiation-related health effects (38.7%), consuming food produced in Okuma/Tomioka (48.0%) and genetic effects (45.3%) were low. >50% reported poor physical and mental health. 40% were acceptive, 31.4% were unsure, and 29.7% objected to the discharge plans. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that, compared to acceptive responders, those who objected were more likely to be female, unemployed, and have anxiety about radiation-related genetic effects and poor mental health. Unsure responders were similarly more likely to be female, anxious about radiation-related genetic effects and have poor mental health.ConclusionThe poor mental health of the locals, connected to high levels of risk perception and anxiety about the loss of economic opportunities related to the discharge plans, must be addressed. The 30-year discharge process could handicap local industries and hamper post-disaster socioeconomic recovery due to the circulation of false rumours among consumers. These results highlight the need to actively involve residents in the towns’ recovery process to address local concerns. The focus should be on the judicious combination of transparent science with the human aspect of recovery and narratives highlighting dialogues between local stakeholders and experts to enable the locals and the general public to make informed decisions about their protection and future.

Rethinking the interaction between resilience and well-being through place attachment: A case study of flood-prone urban communities in Indonesia

ABSTRACT This study investigates the extent to which risk perception regarding disasters among individuals living in slum areas interrelates with their material well-being in determining their place attachment, which may affect their household resilience. To assess this, we take relevant measures from previous studies and run a confirmatory factor analysis to test their validity. All the measures are shown to have a good fit with the data. Our findings reveal a significant mediational relationship between measures of material well-being and household resilience through place attachment although, counterintuitively, the mediated relationship between subjective material well-being and household resilience was negative. The mediated relationship is only valid for the subjective material well-being predictor and among those with a high level of risk perception. These findings suggest that risk perception determines the way an individual’s subjective material well-being predicts their attachment to their living place, which relates to their household resilience.

Risk perception predicts post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: the mediation effect of engaging in health-protective behaviors

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the public to enormous health risks and induced wide-ranging impacts on people’s mental health. Post-traumatic growth is a possible psychological benefits that may occur during struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. This research explored 1) demographics differences on risk perception of COVID-19 pandemic, engagement in health-protective behavior and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic; and 2) the mediation effect of engaging in health-protective behaviors between risk perception and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Females showed a significant higher level of engagement in health-protective behaviors. People who were married reported a significantly higher level of risk perception, engagement in health-protective behavior and post-traumatic growth than those who were in other marital status (i.e. single, divorced, widowed). People who had acquaintances being infected with COVID-19 reported significant higher level of risk perception and engagement in health-protective behaviors. Engagement in health-protective behaviors mediated the relationship between risk perception and post-traumatic growth. Implications of the results for public health interventions are discussed.

Examining Factors Influencing Public Knowledge, Risk Perception, and Policy Support for Waste Classification: A Multigroup Comparison of the Cognitive Mediation Model Based on Gender Differences

ABSTRACT Using the cognitive mediation model, this study aims to examine how media attention affects knowledge of the ways to implement waste classification via different information processing strategies, and ultimately influences risk perception of noncompliance with waste classification and policy support for waste classification. A total of 1,011 Chinese citizens participated in our survey using convenience sampling. The results demonstrated that media attention enhanced individuals’ knowledge via elaboration. The knowledge acquisition subsequently increased risk perception, which, in turn, strengthened policy support for waste classification. Furthermore, the multigroup structural equation modeling was conducted to determine differences in the cognitive meditation model between males and females. Compared with females, males with a high level of risk perception were more likely to support waste classification policies. Theoretical and practical contributions are discussed as well.

Predictors of coping behavior during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Evidence from China

AbstractThis study aims to describe public risk perception regarding COVID‐19 and corresponding self‐protection behavior using samples in China. An online survey was operated to investigate the perception of the COVID‐19 pandemic and their coping behavior (n = 1144). Structural equation models were applied to analyze data. Empirical results indicate that intention to adopt self‐protection behaviors and public risk perception are high. Risk perception, perception of governmental COVID‐19 prevention, and systematic processing positively influence coping behavioral intentions. Perception of governmental COVID‐19 prevention, knowledge regarding COVID‐19, and systematic processing positively impact risk perception. Knowledge regarding COVID‐19 positively influences systematic processing. Information acquisition positively affects perception of governmental COVID‐19 prevention and knowledge regarding COVID‐19. The epidemic prevention and control efforts of the government could trigger public coping behavioral intentions. Improving the information processing capability of the public helps maintain a high level of risk perception.

Differences in volcanic risk perception among Goma's population before the Nyiragongo eruption of May 2021, Virunga volcanic province (DR Congo)

Abstract. Risk perception is an essential element to consider for effective risk management at the time of eruption, especially in densely populated cities close to volcanoes like Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is highly exposed to volcanic hazards from Nyiragongo. The perception of volcanic risk involves the processes of collecting, selecting and interpreting signals about uncertain impacts of volcanic hazards. Using a questionnaire survey, this study describes the spatial differences and factors influencing the individual volcanic risk perception of 2224 adults from eight representative neighbourhoods of Goma before the May 2021 Nyiragongo eruption. A composite risk perception indicator was built from the perceived severity and perceived vulnerability. Statistical analysis of the survey's results shows that the risk perception was high (mean = 3.7 on a five-point Likert scale) and varies less with demographic and contextual factors than with cognitive and psychological factors. Volcanic hazards were perceived to be more threatening the city and its functioning than the individuals themselves. The spatial analysis shows that respondents from the eastern neighbourhoods, affected by the 2002 eruption, demonstrated a significantly higher level of risk perception than participants living in the western neighbourhoods. This study will help to improve volcanic risk awareness raising in Goma.

The Early Warning Mechanism of Public Health Emergencies Through Whistleblowing: A Perspective Based on Considering the Uncertainty of Risk Perception.

During the early warning period of public health emergencies, the information released by whistleblowers on the risk posed by the given event can reduce uncertainty in the public's risk perception and help governments take timely actions to contain the large-scale dissemination of risk. The purpose of this study is to give full play to whistleblowers and draw attention to the risk events, forming a pluralistic model of the risk governance during the early warning period of public health emergencies. We construct an evolutionary game model of the early warning of public health emergencies through whistleblowing that involves the government, whistleblowers, and the public, discussing the mechanism of interaction between these subjects under the uncertainty of risk perception. Furthermore, we use numerical simulations to analyze the influence of changes in the relevant parameters on the evolutionary trajectory of the subjects' behaviors. The results of the research are obtained by numerical simulation of the evolutionary game model. The results show that the public's cooperation with the government encourages the latter to take a positive guidance strategy. Increasing the reward for whistleblowers within an acceptable cost, strengthening the propaganda of the mechanism and the higher level of risk perception of the government and whistleblowers will promote whistleblowers' vocalization actively. When the government's reward for whistleblowers is lower, the whistleblowers choose negative vocalization with the improvement of the public's risk perception. If there is no mandatory guidance from the government at this point, the public is prone to passively cooperating with the government owing to a lack of risk-related information. Establishing an early warning mechanism through whistleblowing is important for containing risk in the early warning period of public health emergencies. Building the whistleblowing mechanism in daily work can improve the effectiveness of the mechanism and enhance the public's risk perception better when the public health emergencies arise.

Do social influences, awareness, or experience matter? Toward a better understanding of Farm-related Injury Risk Perception among agricultural science college students in Ireland.

Formal farm safety education/training should be tailored, in terms of the approach, content and delivery, to students undertaking agriculture education and training to enhance Farm-related Injury Risk Perception (FIRP). To this end, this paper assesses factor(s) explaining or predicting levels of FIRP amongst students studying for a degree in agriculture science. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample of Bachelor of Agriculture Science (BAgrSc) students (N = 417) (aged 18-20) in Ireland. Descriptive [frequency and cross-tabulations) and inferential (Ordinal Logistic Regression (OLR)] analyses were applied to evaluate the effects of social influences, experience (of farming, of a near-miss or injury), and awareness (of others who were injured or killed on the farm) on FIRP. The study found that social influences negatively affected FIRP (P < 0.05). A relatively small number of students reported experiencing an injury (n = 56, 13.4%) that resulted in them being unable to participate in educational or social activities. A quarter of the respondents did, however, record experiencing a near-miss/close call (n = 106, 25.4%). A notable proportion (n = 144, 34.5%) of students had personal connections to someone who died as a consequence of a farm-related incident and 56.4% (n = 235) knew someone who was moderately or severely injured. OLR findings established that experiencing a severe injury, having a near-miss or close call, and awareness of a farm-related death or injury positively affects FIRP (P < 0.05). Perception of farm risks amongst students in Ireland is low. Students who recorded higher levels of risk perception were, however, more likely to report experiencing a near-miss, close call or severe injury, or knowing someone who experienced a farm-related injury or fatality. Farmers, family or friends were found to negatively impact the FIRP and this reflects previous research findings. Our findings highlight the need for education and training programs to enhance opportunities for student peer-to-peer learning through sharing of experiences and/or knowledge of farm injuries and/or fatalities. Such activities will enhance awareness and understanding amongst the general population of students leading to increased FIRP and contribute to a reduction in risk-taking.

Risk Perception of Males and Females Towards Online Buying Behaviour: A Comparative Study

The study examines the differences in risk perception between males and females in relation to their online buying behaviour. Online shopping has become a common practice for many consumers, but it also involves risks such as fraud, privacy invasion, and financial loss. While previous research has investigated the factors affecting online buying behaviour, little is known about gender differences in risk perception in this context. This study analyses data collected from a sample of male and female online shoppers using a questionnaire. The findings suggest that males and females perceive risks differently when it comes to online shopping, and these differences affect their behaviour. Females are found to have a higher level of risk perception compared to males, which leads them to take precautions such as checking product reviews and ratings, reading seller information, and using secure payment methods. On the other hand, males tend to be less cautious in their online buying behaviour and are more likely to take risks. This study has implications for online retailers and marketers who can use the findings to develop strategies that address the gender differences in risk perception and help consumers make informed decisions when shopping online. The sample size of the study was 189 respondents. The data analysis was performed with the help of t-test and mean.

Risk perception for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among health care workers in Accra,Ghana

BackgroundHepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is recognized as one of the most important occupational hazards to Health Care Workers (HCWs) globally. HCWs having good risk perception, is critical in adopting and adhering to preventive measures against occupational exposures and subsequent infection with the virus. This study assessed the level of risk perception for HBV infection among healthcare workers in five healthcare settings in Accra, Ghana, and identified how risk perception for HBV varies across the various professional categories. MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted among six cadres of healthcare workers from five facilities in 2019. A structured questionnaire and susceptibility sub-scale was adapted and used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS Software version 25. ResultsThere were 313 HCWs who participated in the study. Mean age, 35 years (±7.6). The overall mean risk perception score was 92.3. There was a significant difference in risk perception scores between the six cadres of staff (F = 3.26, df 312, p = 0.007). A Post Hoc analysis showed a significant difference between the risk perception scores of Doctors and Orderlies, mean difference of 6.723, (p = 0.017; 95% CI = 0.83–12.60). Post-tertiary level education and training in infection prevention and control were significantly associated with high-risk perception for HBV. ConclusionHCWs have a high-risk perception for HBV infection and the risk perception varies across the various professional categories. The high level of risk perception observed in this study could be utilized to design preventive interventions for healthcare workers to prevent occupational exposures and subsequent infections.

Mental health among healthcare workers during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey in Jilin Province in China.

The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted the mental health of healthcare workers. This study aimed to explore the mental health status of healthcare workers, compare the differences in mental health between physicians and nurses, and verify the impact of risk perception on mental health in the long-term COVID-19 pandemic in Jilin Province, China. A stratified random sample was used to conduct an on-site questionnaire survey in December 2020 to measure the mental health status, risk perceptions, and demographic characteristics of healthcare workers in Jilin Province, China. A total of 3,383 participants completed the questionnaire survey, of which 3,373 were valid questionnaires. A total of 23.6% (n = 795) of participants had symptoms of depression, 27.4% (n = 923) had symptoms of anxiety, and 16.3% (n = 551) had symptoms of stress. Physicians reported significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety than nurses (p = 0.023, p = 0.013, respectively). There was no significant difference in the proportion of participants with stress between physicians and nurses (p = 0.474). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that healthcare workers who had a high level of risk perception were more likely to have symptoms of depression (AOR = 4.12, p < 0.001), anxiety (AOR = 3.68, p < 0.001), and stress (AOR = 4.45, p < 0.001) after controlling for other variables. At least one in six healthcare workers experienced mental health problems, and physicians were more likely than nurses to suffer from depression during the prolonged COVID-19 epidemic. Risk perception was highly predictive of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in medical staff. Public health interventions are needed to mitigate the long-term psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effectiveness of implementing a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law among young Serbian drivers

Introduction: Young novice drivers have higher rates of engagement in road crashes worldwide, often owing to unfavorable attitudes toward road safety or lack of knowledge, experience, and risk consciousness. However, the implementation of graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems has proven effective in reducing the high incidence of young drivers involved in crashes. Method: The purpose of this study was to compare the change in driving outcomes (e.g., attitudes toward traffic safety, behavior patterns while driving, risk assessment in traffic, assessment of personal driving skills, and involvement in traffic crashes) of young drivers prior to and following the implementation of a GDL law. Respondents (n = 642) completed a battery of questions, including a driver attitudes questionnaire (Behaviour of Young Novice Drivers Scale), a self-assessed driving ability questionnaire, and a risk perception questionnaire. Of the total sample size, 324 drivers passed the old system of training driver’s license candidates, and 318 drivers passed the new GDL system. Results: The results showed that drivers licensed with GDL reported safer attitudes toward traffic rule violations and speed, and higher levels of safety orientation with regard to their driving abilities. They also reported much higher levels of risk perception and lower exposure to risky situations (risky driving exposure). There were no differences between GDL drivers and non-GDL drivers in terms of self-reported crashes or transient or fixed violations. In addition, GDL was not related to the number of traffic crashes, the number of fatalities, or serious and slight injuries in crashes involving young drivers in crashes obtained from official records. Conclusions: The results suggest that GDL contributed to the improvement of drivers’ attitudes and understanding of risk but did not contribute to significant changes in the behavior of young drivers and traffic crashes. In addition, the GDL program in Serbia only ranks fair on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) scale. Strengthening the GDL program in Serbia with additional components in line with GDL programs rated as good by the IIHS scale could improve the safety of young and novice drivers in traffic.

Midwives’ Risk Perception of and Preventive Behavioural Responses to COVID-19

As the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is highly contagious, application of preventive practices, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) usage and hand-washing, are crucial to prevent its spread. Evidence suggests that preventive behavioural responses to COVID-19 might be affected by risk perception. The present study aimed to assess risk perception and preventive behavioural responses among midwives and the association between them. In September 2020, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Indonesia among 421 midwives. Spearman’s correlation coefficient or Spearman’s rho (ρ) was used to identify the factors associated with risk perception and preventive behavioural responses as well as the correlation between risk perception and preventive practices. Generally, the midwives had a high-risk perception of COVID-19 infection. However, approximately 27% of the midwives did not always use PPE, and around 56% did not often wash their hands. Midwives who worked at health facilities had a higher level of risk perception of COVID-19 infection as well as adherence to preventive practices than those who worked at universities. A significant association was found between perception of risk severity and preventive practices (p &lt; 0.05). The healthier the midwives, the higher their level of adherence to PPE and hand-washing. Older midwives tended to use PPE at any time, while those who had a chronic disease were more likely to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds more frequently. Although the midwives had a high-risk perception of the COVID-19, it is necessary to improve their preventive practices, particularly hand hygiene.

Cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practice among nurses and midwives in Isparta, Turkiye

This study aims to investigate the habits, lifestyle, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses and midwives serving in Isparta. Within the scope of the study, data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 300 midwives and nurses aged 19-55 working in Isparta province. Many of the participants in the study stated that the most common type of cancer in women is breast cancer. While most of the participants thought that the most common type of cancer in men was lung cancer, few stated that it was prostate cancer. No statistically significant difference was observed in the knowledge and behaviors of the participants on cancer, according to whether they are midwives or nurses, their income status, and their education level. While nurses and midwives have a high level of risk perception and knowledge about cancer, it has been observed that they do not show the necessary care in control and treatment. Keywords: Attitudes; cancer; knowledge; midwives; nurses.

Peer drinking and alcohol use. The role of risk perception, perceived vulnerability, and gender: a moderated moderation analyses

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the moderating role of alcohol-related risk perception and perceived vulnerability to alcohol consequences in the relationship between descriptive drinking norms and personal alcohol use, and to determine if this moderation was, in turn, moderated by gender Methods 538 college students (78.0% women, mean age = 21.2) from three Spanish universities completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Simple moderation and moderated moderation analyses were conducted Results Risk perception and perceived vulnerability moderated the relationship between drinking norms and alcohol use. This relationship weakened as perceived vulnerability and risk perception increased. High levels of risk perception and perceived vulnerability nullified the effect of perceived peer drinking on drinking quantity among both men and women, but higher values were necessary to nullify these effects among men Conclusions Risk perception and perceived vulnerability appear to be useful in identifying specific subgroups more vulnerable to the effects of drinking norms and might be effective strategies for weakening its impact on alcohol use, with such strategies being more beneficial for women than men. These variables could thus be incorporated into norm-based interventions as they may improve their effectiveness. Our findings highlight the importance of designing gender-specific interventions to reduce the potential negative impact of alcohol consumption.

Consumers' Knowledge and Handling Practices Associated with Fresh-Cut Produce in the United States.

Previous studies have shown that three factors influence fresh-cut produce safety from farm to fork: (1) post-harvest practices in processing facilities, (2) employees’ handling practices in retail facilities, and (3) consumers’ handling practices in domestic kitchens or cooking facilities. However, few studies have examined consumers’ food safety knowledge, risk perceptions, and their handling practices associated with fresh-cut produce. To fill this gap, the present study conducted a nationwide survey to assess U.S. consumers’ food safety knowledge, practices, and risk perception associated with fresh-cut produce among various demographic groups and investigated factors influencing consumers’ food safety practices related to fresh-cut produce. The results showed that consumers lack the knowledge and safe handling practices toward fresh-cut produce regarding storage hierarchy, surface cleaning and sanitizing, and time and temperature control of fresh-cut produce. The men and millennial consumers exhibit a lower level of safe fresh-cut produce handling practices. In addition, a significant interaction was observed between food safety knowledge and risk perceptions on consumers’ fresh-cut produce handling practices, such that food safety knowledge can transfer to practice more effectively for consumers with high levels of risk perception. The results can be utilized to design effective consumer food safety education tools for targeted audiences.

Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Psychological Status of Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Outbreak in Libya: A Cross Sectional Study

Healthcare professionals, especially those who work in hospitals that treat patients with Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19), are at a higher risk of contracting this disease than workers in other departments. Healthcare workers are under a lot of stress as they fight the COVID-19 outbreak, which increases their risk of developing psychological difficulties. As a result, ill-prepared healthcare workers can lead to delayed diagnosis, disease spread, and poor infection control. An evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions, and Psychological Effects in light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Libya may indicate effective strategies for behavioral change in a given society and may assess the psychological state of healthcare workers during that crisis. At present, Libyan healthcare workers are not well aware of the risks. Healthcare workers participated in a web-based cross-sectional survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The KAP questions are imported from Egyptian study and the psychological impact questions are imported from Chinese study that used the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire and Insomnia Severity Index. Questions are adapted to be suitable for the Libyan context. The Knowledge, attitude and perception were analyzed using a total score based on Bloom’s 80% cut-off. According to our results, in total, we received 85.4% high knowledge score of Libyan HCWs in regards to COVID-19. About 54.6% participants showed negative attitude towards COVID-19 infection and the precautionary measures taken to prevent its spread. The majority of respondents, 89.1%, felt that they were vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. 85.4% believed they were more likely than others to become infected. Fear of transmission to family members, having chronic illnesses, and community stigma are the most frequently reported reasons for higher risk perceptions. In general, HCWs had a good understanding of COVID-19. Negative attitudes are evident in the observations a high level of risk perception was evident. It is vital that the Libyan Ministry of Health and government consider the reasons for increased risk perception. Healthcare workers, specifically those who are responding to COVID-19 in Libya, experienced an increase in anxiety, depression and insomnia, which were respectively 30.1%, 31.9% and 18.9%. In this study, many Healthcare workers reported adequate overall knowledge with a negative attitude toward government and adopted appropriate practices. Psychological problems are directly related to inadequate knowledge, incorrect attitudes, and inadequate perception. However, with timely interventions and correct information, it will be possible to protect the mental wellbeing of healthcare professionals during the novel coronavirus epidemic.

Gender Risk Perception and Coping Mechanisms among Ghanaian University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Recent research has shown that gender is an important driver of the risk of mortality and morbidity rates for people with COVID-19, with case fatality rates being higher for women than men. Despite this pattern, research is sparse on gender risk perception and potential coping mechanisms. This study examined the role gender plays in the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and coping mechanisms among university students. Through the adoption of traditional and online surveys, 859 students from two public universities in Ghana were conveniently selected to respond to the survey instrument. The results from the multivariate regression analysis revealed that COVID-19 risk perception was positively related to active coping. The outcome of the moderation analysis showed that while males were more likely than females to adopt active and emotional support coping with heightened risk perception, a contrary outcome was observed for behaviour disengagement. This result is an indication that female students are likely to be overwhelmed with a high level of risk perception and easily give up trying to adopt effective strategies to reduce the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The findings highlight the need for different forms of intervention for male and female students for dealing with the effect of COVID-19.