Mitigation Behavior Research Articles

Threats on SNS Use in Crisis With Conditional Analysis With Risk Mitigation and Fear of Missing Out

In response to the evolving e-commerce landscape, the study investigates changing patterns of social networking site (SNS) usage during a pandemic. Grounded in the interaction of the person-affect-cognition-execution model for addictive behaviors and the appraisal and coping theory, it explores the depth and extent of SNS usage. Specifically, the study examines the moderated mediating effect of perceived stress (PS) and fear of missing out, with risk mitigation behavior as a moderator. With data from a nationwide survey in Korea with 760 responses, results show that risk mitigation behavior moderates the relationship between infection threat and PS, while PS and fear of missing out mediate the effect of infection threat on SNS usage. The moderated mediation of PS was significant, shedding light on the complex psychological mechanisms that drive SNS behavior during global crises. The findings deepen understanding of how stress and coping strategies shape SNS engagement in response to crisis.

An empirical analysis of learning and forgetting mechanisms in repeated evacuations: A panel recursive logit approach

Global efforts to address climate change increasingly focus on risk communication to encourage people's mitigation behaviour. This study investigates how risk communication influences evacuation behaviour, through repeated risk communications and stated preference surveys. In modelling the learning process of infrequent events like disasters, it is necessary to consider decision-making under uncertainty about future situations and the tendency to forget acquired information. We propose a recursive model that captures two decision dynamics relevant to infrequent events: proactive decision-making amid dynamically changing conditions and the learning and forgetting processes between events. The former is modelled using the recursive logit model on a time-expanded network, while the latter is represented by dynamic changes in utility and memory decay parameters. The estimation results indicate that risk communication generally promotes earlier evacuation to safer places. However, effective communication strategies and the duration of their effects differ based on individuals' perceived and actual risks.

Patient-provider interactions about cannabis for therapeutic purposes vary as a function of provider type: A pilot study.

Limited evidence guides the efficacy and safety of cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP). Healthcare providers lack requisite knowledge to advise and support patients. This study aimed to describe and compare several aspects of initial CTP interactions across different provider types. Adult cannabis consumers (N = 507) from the United States completed an anonymous online survey about their initial CTP interaction with their healthcare provider. Providers were categorized into four groups (Mental Health [MH], Family Medicine [FM], Medical Clinics [MC], and Other Specialty [OS]). Analyses compared several aspects of the interaction (e.g., risk mitigation, recommendations, satisfaction/confidence) across groups. Less than half of the sample reported discussion of cannabis risks (44.0%) or follow-ups at subsequent visits (46.7%). Recommendations (where to obtain, consumption method, dose, frequency, and authorization) were uncommon (9.7%-25.2%). While the MH group reported the highest rates of risk mitigation behaviors, regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and cannabis characteristics were largely nonsignificant. For recommendations, the MC group was more likely than the MH group to report receiving all recommendations (p < .05). Younger age and greater cannabis-related problems increased likelihood of risk mitigation and recommendations. CTP interactions focused on risk but generally lacked comprehensive recommendations that could potentially promote safe use. Data from provider perspectives could support the need for CTP guidelines and develop training for healthcare providers to promote safe CTP practices. For the first time, this study explored several aspects of CTP interactions and compared experiences across a variety of providers.

A Qualitative Case Study of Trail Visitors’ Experiences and COVID-19 Mitigation Decisions During the Pandemic

Although there have been numerous studies concerning COVID-19 and its impact on people’s recreational experience, most projects only documented observable behaviors or used cross-sectional surveys to ask respondents about their behavior. Few projects explored the participants thought processes and attitudes about how the pandemic affected their recreation during this period. This project consisted of 31 interviews that were designed to understand recreational users’ trail use during the pandemic and the motivations and decision making when they adopted (or not) guidelines given to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The interviews, structured around six main questions, revealed four key themes: changes in trail use, perceptions of risk and safety, adoption of COVID-19 mitigation behaviors, and influences on these decisions. This research provides valuable insights into the behaviors and attitudes of trail users during the pandemic.

An environmental mitigation behavior model predicting waste reduction among young coastal tourists in Bangladesh

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to develop an environmental mitigation behavior model (EMBM) for predicting waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists in Bangladesh by modifying and extending the theory of planned behavior (TPB).Design/methodology/approachThe research has been administered by applying mixed method (both qualitative and quantitative), where study-1(qualitative) identifies factors, study-2 (quantitative) verifies factors by employing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) approach, and study-3 confirms factors influencing waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists by employing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Study-2 collects 385 valid responses and analyzes by applying the principal component analysis (PCA) technique with the Varimax rotation method by using SPSS-v25, and Study-3 collects 501 valid responses and analyzes by partial least structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique, using Smart PLS3.3.3.FindingsThe study findings have revealed that waste reduction intention and perceived ecological balance significantly influence waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists in Bangladesh. Further, waste reduction intention is significantly predicted by mitigation attitude, resource conservation norms and environmental perceptions. Furthermore, environmental ethics significantly affects mitigation attitudes and resource conservation norms.Practical implicationsThe study offers several insightful implications (e.g. incentives, charging fines, environmental awareness-related knowledge-based campaign, etc.) for policymakers and industry operators, which may be a dynamic cost-effective mechanism for reducing waste at coastal tourism destinations in Bangladesh as well as in the world.Originality/valueThis study addresses the need for developing a model that can explain waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists in Bangladesh, and thus, the study uniquely postulates the theory of environmental mitigation behavior for predicting waste reduction behaviors by modifying and extending the TPB.

The sphere of exposure: centering user experience in community science air monitoring

Community science has increased in popularity in communities where residents hope to investigate the relationship between environmental issues and personal health. This study partnered with neighborhoods in the most polluted residential zip code in the US to conduct community science air quality monitoring. We conducted 60 semi-structured interviews after two monitoring deployments to understand participants’ subjective experiences of pollution exposure, their engagement with low-cost air quality monitors, and their data interpretation. We utilize the environmental health concept ‘exposure experience’ to analyze how participants use personal monitors, understand their data, and reinterpret their pollution exposure as a result. We further explore how participants’ understandings are circumscribed by the technological features of low-cost monitors. We find that participants adopt both protective and mitigating behavioral changes based on information gained from personal experiments and hypothesis testing while using the monitors. Of their own accord, 40% of participants in this study adopted mitigation behaviors after identifying sources that impacted their personal air quality. Our analysis reveals that real-time data accessibility through low-cost monitors builds exposure awareness and enables residents of environmental justice communities to test, validate, or invalidate sensory experiences and challenge existing assumptions. These findings point to specific pathways for using low-cost monitors to support individual decision-making and contribute to behavioral change. Findings also identify some limitations of low-cost monitors; designers of low-cost monitors should consider how composite Air Quality Scores may encourage community scientists to equally value scientifically-established pollutants (e.g., PM) with less scientifically-established pollutants (e.g., TVOCs), without additional scientific training and health-related information.

Investigating the influence of information sources on flood-coping appraisal: Insights into flood mitigation behaviour

Understanding how individuals and communities respond to flood risks is paramount for effective disaster management and community resilience. This study investigates the impact of information sources on the coping appraisal of Australian flood-prone communities (flood-coping appraisal) to gain insight into flood mitigation behaviour. Utilizing the cognitive process of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and integrating it with the Health Belief Model (HBM), a comprehensive framework is developed to explore the interplay between sources of information, cognitive appraisals, and coping responses. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data from a research survey are analysed to examine the relationships between latent variables within the framework. The results reveal two key components significantly affecting flood-coping appraisal: Benefit/barrier Appraisal and Social Environment. Benefit/barrier Appraisal evaluates individuals' perceptions of the cost-effectiveness of mitigation measures, their potential impacts on property appearance, and property resale value, while the Social Environment assesses individuals’ observational learning from social norms and the availability of social support. Additionally, experiences with floods inside buildings emerge as a significant factor influencing the flood-coping appraisal. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the sources of information that drive higher flood-coping appraisal for effective flood risk management and community resilience. These insights contribute to developing targeted flood risk communication strategies to promote adaptive behaviours and enhance community resilience in the face of flood hazards.

Experiential Factors as a Determinant for Climate Change Mitigation Behavior: A Case of Tourist Hotel Managers in Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya

Climate change is typically abstract, large scale, slow and often unrelated to the welfare of people’s usual activities. There are however moments when the consequences of climate change are readily apparent, such as through experiencing extreme weather events. This study examined the association between personal experiences with extreme weather events together with emotions and taking actions that mitigate the consequences of climate change, a largely under researched topic. This relationship was tested among 182 randomly selected tourist hotel managers in Naivasha Sub-County in Kenya using paper and pencil survey techniques. An instrument made up of questions on the managers’ extent of their personal involvement with extreme climate risks and events was utilized. Another set of questions that rated the managers’ level of emotions towards climate change was also included. The study identified two categories of climate change mitigation behaviors (CCMB) using principle component analysis that are adopted by managers namely efficiency and curtailment practices. A beta regression model that accounts for the non-normality of the data was used to examine the relationship between experiential factors and CCMB. Findings indicate a moderate engagement in CCMB among the surveyed managers. Experiencing disasters was negatively and significantly associated with both curtailment and efficiency CCMB. Emotions were positively associated with efficiency CCMB but had a negative association with curtailment CCMB. The findings suggest that public education would benefit from strategies that focus on connecting experiencing weather related disasters and emotions with the reality of climate change.

Exploring Cognitive Factors and Climate Change Mitigation Behaviour among Managers of Tourist Hotel Facilities within Naivasha Sub County, Kenya

Exploring Cognitive Factors and Climate Change Mitigation Behaviour among Managers of Tourist Hotel Facilities within Naivasha Sub County, Kenya

Repeat wildfire and smoke experiences shared by four communities in Southern California: local impacts and community needs

Abstract Families in unincorporated communities in Southern California’s Eastern Coachella Valley (ECV) increasingly experience the burden of repeat wildfires and smoke. This study describes their lived wildfire and smoke experiences, health impacts, unique community-level inequities that compound wildfire risk and air quality effects, communication preferences, and resource needs for future wildfire preparedness. A wildfire community vulnerability framework informed the focus group discussion guide, exploring individual, community, and local government level factors that potentially influence community response and mitigation behaviors to repeat wildfire and smoke. Ten focus groups with 118 participants occurred in spring 2023 with four communities in ECV, California. Findings center on narratives of acute wildfire-related experiences, including evacuation and burned trailer homes, acute and chronic self report physical and mental health impacts of wildfires and smoke, daily life disruptions, staying indoors for protection, and local interactions described as a community strength in responding to fires. Participants from unincorporated, low-income, and monolingual Spanish-speaking communities predominantly consisting of farm workers requested greater emergency preparedness and response information, training and education in Spanish, postfire resources, lower trash service fees, increased enforcement of illegal dumping and burning, and use of multimodal and bilingual communication channels for wildfire, smoke, and wind alerts.

Effectiveness of Inquiry-Based Chemistry Learning on Students’ Attitudes and Knowledge of Climate Change Mitigation Behaviors

Effectiveness of Inquiry-Based Chemistry Learning on Students’ Attitudes and Knowledge of Climate Change Mitigation Behaviors

Investigating the influence of residents' attitudes, perceptions of risk, and subjective norms on their willingness to engage in flood prevention efforts in Freetown, Sierra Leone

This study investigates the intricate relationships between flood disaster risk perception (RP), attitudes(ATT), subjective norms(SN), and participation in flood prevention activities(IPF), emphasizing the mediating roles of self-efficacy(SE) and bonding social capital(BSC). The research in Freetown, Sierra Leone, involved 702 participants, providing a diverse socio-demographic snapshot crucial for understanding community-based flood risk management. Data analysis revealed that demographic factors like age, gender, education, and income significantly influence flood risk perceptions and mitigation behaviors. Additionally, subjective norms were found to substantially impact both self-efficacy and bonding social capital, affecting participation in flood prevention activities. The study also explored the role of community dynamics and social norms in shaping risk perceptions and intentions to engage in flood risk prevention. It was observed that higher self-efficacy and more robust community bonds lead to increased participation in flood mitigation efforts. The findings offer valuable insights into flood prevention behavior's psychological and social drivers and highlight the importance of community-focused strategies in enhancing flood resilience. The study contributes to the broader understanding of flood risk management in urban settings, particularly in developing countries, and underscores the need for policies and practices that foster individual empowerment and collective community action.

“We rely on each other”: A qualitative exploration of rural Eastern Region Native American experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundNative American communities suffered disproportionately negative effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet no research has explored the experiences of rural Eastern Region Native Americans. MethodsInformed by the Native Reliance Model and Indigenous Standpoint Theory, we conducted a qualitative descriptive project in the Spring and Summer of 2022; data included semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 24 individuals representing five South Carolina tribal groups. FindingsThematic analysis yielded four emergent themes: 1) “Let's just finish the Indians off”: Pandemic distrust rooted in historical and contemporary Native American experiences; 2) “We have been misled”: Making sense of conflicting public health information; 3) “I'm not giving it to some innocent person”: COVID-19 mitigation behaviors as Native American cultural practice; and 4) “We put the plan in place”: Self-advocacy and action as a source of Native American pride and responsibility. InterpretationThese participants demonstrated resiliency grounded in family and tribal ties, even in the face of personal losses, economic struggles, and healthcare barriers. To strike a balance between cultural traditions and public health recommendations, public health practitioners should 1) build partnerships with community leaders, elders, and tribal health authorities to facilitate the development of culturally respectful interventions that address specific health concerns in the context of historical traumas; and 2) implement alternative methods of communication and engagement to ensure equitable access to healthcare services in rural locations, such as collaborating with community organizations, deploying mobile health units, and utilizing traditional channels of communication within these communities.

Deciphering Discord: How Conflicting Information and Political Ideology Shape Public Attitude Toward PFAS Regulation

Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) contamination is an emerging environmental and health risk facing the world. This study examines the impact of conflicting information on Americans’ attitude toward PFAS regulation and intention to engage in mitigation behaviors through a one-way, between-subjects experiment. Participants were 1,062 U.S. adults recruited from CloudResearch. Results showed that compared to participants exposed to consistent information, those exposed to conflicting information displayed less favorable attitude toward existing regulation, which led to lower intention to support related policies and to engage in mitigation behaviors. Political ideology moderated these relationships, with stronger experimental effects among conservatives. These findings underscore the importance of conveying consistent risk messages, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved.

Energy recoveries and heavy metal migration behaviors of different oily sludges treated by pyrolysis versus solvent extraction

The pyrolysis and trace element mitigation characteristics are investigated by contrast to solvent extraction for four oily sludges, including storage tank bottom sediment (OS-1), scum from a wastewater separator (OS-2), white-clay-adsorbed waste oil (OS-3), and settlings from wastewater treatment (OS-4). Slow pyrolysis at 700 °C generated a single oil phase for OS-1 and separate oil and aqueous phases for OS-2, OS-3 and OS-4. Up to 73.0–88.3 % of the total energy were recovered from OS-1, OS-2 and OS-3 in the oil phase with 19.9–77.1 % oil yield; however, the oil phase from OS-4 accounted for only 13.3 % of the total energy, while the aqueous product accounted for 68.0 % of the total energy. Quantification of 16 trace elements revealed that OS-2 and OS-4 had much higher contents of Cu/Zn/As/Se/Cd/Pb and Ni/Cu/Zn/Se/Cd contents than the average crustal abundances, respectively. Correlations between evaporation and extraction rates indicated that the mitigation behaviors of trace elements were related to their occurrence modes in different oily sludges. Except for Cd, As and Se, all other trace elements were enriched in the pyrolysis residues of the oily sludges. Ni in the pyrolysis residue of OS-4 posed a moderate potential ecological risk.

Looking beyond the television: Variability in information seeking patterns and mitigation behaviors during Hurricane Ian

Recent research in crisis and risk communication has examined information seeking preferences across varying audiences in the time leading up to natural disasters. Such an understanding is critical for targeting risk information messages such that they will have the maximum intended impact on those seeking to take protective actions. Until recently, these studies have largely ignored the relative importance of mediated sources alongside community groups and other grassroots organizations. To that end, the current study surveyed 1030 Florida residents in the aftermath of 2022's Hurricane Ian in the United States. In addition to replicating past findings concerning media preferences across the demographic spectrum, the current study offers evidence that marginalized and at-risk communities may be especially reliant on community resources for information about protective actions concerning an environmental hazard. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for crisis communication researchers and emergency managers alike.

Sheep anthrax outbreak in Muddaballi Village, Karnataka, India: a comprehensive study of factors

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, remains a persistent threat to global public health and livestock industries. This study investigates a sheep anthrax outbreak in Muddaballi Village, Karnataka, India. Muddaballi has a population of 2,450 people and a livestock population of 2,279 animals, including 756 cows, 82 buffaloes, 1,129 sheep, and 312 goats. The village experienced anthrax outbreaks in 2016, 2021, and 2023, with significant sheep mortalities: 4 out of 200 sheep in 2016, 25 out of 150 sheep in 2021, and multiple incidents in 2023 affecting different farmers with mortality rates ranging from 4 to 20 sheep. The ecological characteristics, including an average annual temperature of 27.0°C and annual rainfall of 587 mm, alongside proximity to the Tungabhadra reservoir, played a crucial role in spore survival and transmission. The study highlights socioeconomic factors and Risk Exposure and Mitigation Behaviour (REMB) as critical determinants of anthrax incidence, with farmers reporting strong agreement on the influence of these factors (Likert scale: 4-5). The integration of AI tools for early detection and rapid response, comprehensive disease surveillance, and ensuring vaccine accessibility are essential measures. Training initiatives for local veterinarians and farmers are also crucial to mitigate future outbreaks. This multifaceted approach is vital for effective anthrax prevention and control in Muddaballi and similar regions.

The Politics of the Gender Gap in COVID-19: Partisanship, Health Behavior, and Policy Preferences in the United States

Several studies demonstrate gender and partisan differences among Americans in COVID-19 socioeconomic consequences, attitudes, and behaviors. The authors of this study use six waves of panel survey data to explore the intersection of gender and party across COVID-19 mitigation behaviors, concerns, and policy preferences. The authors observe small gender gaps on several measures; however, partisan differences are larger than gender differences when considering the interaction between gender and partisanship. Democratic women are more similar to Democratic men on these measures than to Republican women. On virtually all measures, Republican women report lower levels of mitigation behaviors, worries, and support for expansive government policies compared to Democratic women and men. Analyzing the interaction of gender and partisanship illuminates how individuals navigated the pandemic with respect to identity factors that often pull in different directions. These findings suggest that one's partisan identity is more consequential than gender when it comes to COVID behaviors, concerns, and policy preferences.

Characteristics and risk management of urban surface flooding in Guangzhou, China: Insights from 2022 ground monitoring

Study RegionGuangzhou, ChinaStudy FocusOur research, based on the meticulous collection and rigorous statistical analysis of ground monitoring records for the entire year of 2022 in Guangzhou, delves into the spatio-temporal distribution patterns, evolution processes, flood formation mechanisms, and corresponding disaster mitigation strategies of urban surface flooding related to the capacity of drainage system in the region. New Hydrological InsightsThe urban surface flooding (USF) in Guangzhou in 2022 provides key insights for flood risk management. The overall spatial distribution of USF risk in Guangzhou is stable, but specific flood locations during rainstorms vary due to factors such as rainfall conditions and drainage efficiency. This complexity highlights the diverse nature of USF challenges. The frequency of USF events varies significantly across months and dates, with a higher occurrence during the flood season. However, there is a noticeable extension of flood risk into the non-flood season, challenging traditional flood season concepts. USFs peak within 50 minutes, demanding urgent action within 25 minutes, underscoring the need for an efficient emergency response. Certain areas, times, and processes contribute more to the overall flood risk, emphasizing the importance of focusing on these high-risk factors for effective management and resource allocation. The study also reveals the prevalence of Surface Runoff-type Floods, challenging existing USF simulation methods and necessitating a reevaluation and improvement in the maintenance and design of urban rainwater inlets. The study suggests vigorously promoting private proactive flood mitigation behavior and proposes a hierarchical, classification-based approach to urban flood risk control. Comprehensive intervention in the urban runoff formation process is emphasized for effective flood risk management.

Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Pro-Environmental Behavior: The Role of Efficacy Beliefs

Efficacy beliefs are important determinants of human behavior. In the context of social cognitive theory, the perception of collective efficacy is closely related to the individual perception of self-efficacy, which is influenced by socio-structural factors such as socioeconomic status (SES). Surprisingly, the relationship between these variables has received little attention in the literature on environmental issues. Within the framework of social cognitive theory, the aim of this study was to investigate whether SES has a direct effect on pro-environmental behavior and whether it has an indirect effect via perceptions of self-efficacy and collective efficacy, in relation to climate change mitigation behavior. An online cross-sectional study was conducted using a quota sample of 1075 participants (51.9% women) aged 18–79 years. Participants reported their SES using objective and subjective measures, perceptions of their own and collective efficacy in mitigating climate change, and the frequency of their pro-environmental behaviors. Structural equation modeling revealed that the model with serial mediation effects of self-efficacy and collective efficacy between SES (both objective and subjective) and pro-environmental behaviors showed a good model fit. As expected, both objective and subjective SES had no direct effect on pro-environmental behavior. Surprisingly, neither objective nor subjective SES had an indirect effect (via efficacy beliefs) on pro-environmental behavior. However, both self-efficacy and collective efficacy were associated with pro-environmental behavior. These findings have practical implications for the development of strategies aimed at enhancing pro-environmental behavior.