Risk Perception Research Articles

Outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and Lyme disease in Québec.

Lyme disease is a well-known occupational risk across North America caused by exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi via blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). As the geographic range of B. burgdorferi advances with the increasing distribution of blacklegged ticks, more outdoor workers are at risk of contracting Lyme disease. In this study, we examined the demography and personal perceptions of outdoor workers within one framework to better determine the overall risk for those working outdoors. We analysed outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and of behaviours that can prevent tick bites and Lyme disease. We then compared these risk perceptions of individuals across age, sex, education, and industry, as well as time spent outdoors. We tested the hypothesis that the risk perception of an individual and their knowledge of Lyme disease transmission was dependent on their demographics, experience in their job, and the region in which they spend time outdoors. We estimated a knowledge-based risk score based on individuals' answers to a questionnaire on risk perception given to voluntary participants who work outdoors. Those who had higher risk scores were more at risk. We found that knowledge-based risk scores were correlated with geographic risk levels and with the number of hours per day spent outdoors. Those who work longer hours and who work in areas with mid-level risk had higher risk scores. Those who spend more time outdoors recreationally had lower risk scores. Further examination and acknowledgment of the reasoning behind why these factors are affecting workers' risks must be considered to recognize that it is not necessarily demographics or geographically high-risk areas that affect an individual's risk. Workers' knowledge of these risks is affected by several variables that should be taken into consideration when implementing safety measures and awareness programs.

How M-government Services Build Relative Trust? The Mediating Roles of Value Creation and Risk Perception

Mobile government (m-government) has been proposed as a means to rebuild public trust in government. However, there is limited discussion regarding how m-government shapes trust in the existing literature. Thus, our study aims to examine the impact of m-government services on various types of trust by using the concept of relative trust. Additionally, we investigate how public value creation, private value acquisition, and risk perception mediate the relationship between m-government use and citizens’ relative trust in government. To test our hypotheses, this study collected data from a telephone survey of 2,875 public service users in China. The findings reveal that the use of m-government services is positively associated with citizens’ relative trust in institutions but negatively associated with their relative trust in grassroots civil servants. Furthermore, perceived public and private values mediate the relationship between m-government services and citizens’ relative trust in institutions versus grassroots civil servants, with private value playing a more significant mediating role. This study provides evidence on the role of m-government services in shaping various types of citizens’ relative trust in government, including institutional trust and relational trust.

Role of Financial Literacy, Risk Perception, and Investment Experience in Investment Decisions of Millenial and Z Generation in Jabodetabek

Role of Financial Literacy, Risk Perception, and Investment Experience in Investment Decisions of Millenial and Z Generation in Jabodetabek

COVID-19 risk perception and food security in the MENA region: evidence from a multi-wave household survey

The COVID-19 pandemic had disruptive consequences for MENA countries’ agri-food value chains that exacerbated poverty and jeopardized food security. This study examines the relationship between individuals’ perception of contracting COVID-19 and their experience of food insecurity, using longitudinal data from the Combined COVID-19 MENA Monitor Household survey. It also investigates the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 concerns and explores coping strategies employed by households to identify vulnerabilities in food security. The results provide compelling evidence of a strong association between individuals’ concern about the virus and various dimensions of food security, particularly reduced purchasing power and decreased meal frequency. Notably, this association follows an inverted U-shaped curve, with food insecurity initially increasing as worry grows, but declining after individuals contract the virus. High levels of concern were also linked to significant income decreases and worsening economic conditions. Moreover, individuals with higher concerns were more likely to rely on specific coping strategies, particularly spending savings and obtaining funds from relatives or friends. These findings underscore the need for government interventions during disease outbreaks and economic downturns to focus on alleviating individuals’ worry and fear to facilitate informed decision-making that minimizes food insecurity consequences. Additionally, the findings emphasize the need to strengthen social protection systems during public health and economic challenges to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.

The role of safety climate in occupational health and safety information seeking: extending risk perception attitude framework

The role of safety climate in occupational health and safety information seeking: extending risk perception attitude framework

Is an accurate self-perceived health risk beneficial for patients to minimize prehospital delay time at onset of a ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI)?

High risk perception (HRP) is fundamental for adequate health behavior. However, its impact on rapid access to cardiac care after the onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not known. Conflicting evidence exists about sources that promote HRP. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 588 AMI patients who participated in the Munich Examination of Delay in Patients Experiencing Acute Myocardial Infarction (MEDEA) study were collected at the bedside. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression models identified factors associated with HRP. Only 13.4% (n = 79) of patients had afavorable HRP level. The HRP patients did not differ from those with low risk perception (LRP) in terms of sex, age, other sociodemographic features, and somatic risk factors. Among the univariate contributors to HRP were prodromal chest pain (p = 0.0004), symptom mismatch during AMI (p < 0.0001), depression (p = 0.01), and anxiety (p = 0.005). However, family history of AMI, aprevious AMI, and knowledge of AMI remained significant in the multivariate regression model. Median delay time to reach ahospital-based emergency facility after the onset of AMI was 127 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 83-43, p = 0.02) in HRP patients and 216 min (IQR: 106-721) in LRP patients. An increasing risk perception score was associated with acorresponding stepwise decline in median delay time (p > 0.004). Self-perceived AMI risk is associated in adose-response relationship with the time needed to reach coronary care emergency facilities. Recurrent AMI, family history of AMI, and sufficient knowledge of MI contribute to risk perception, whereas somatic risk factors do not.

Interdependency or submission to authority? The impacts of horizontal and vertical collectivist orientation on vaccine attitudes in mainland China.

Culture has a profound impact on preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous research has revealed that collectivism is associated with more effective responses to COVID-19 on the national or regional level. However, the impact of different components of collectivist orientation on vaccine attitudes remains insufficiently explored on the individual level. Two survey studies conducted in August 2021 in mainland China consistently found that individual-level horizontal collectivist orientation, rather than vertical collectivist orientation, was linked with more favourable vaccine attitudes. Specifically, Study 1 (N = 731) indicated that horizontal collectivist orientation was positive associated with vaccination intention indirectly via risk perception, and horizontal collectivist orientation was also positively associated with vaccination persuasion both directly and indirectly via risk perception. Study 2 (N = 1481), employing multilevel modelling, demonstrated that the link between horizontal collectivist orientation and confidence in vaccines remained robust regardless of provincial-level variations in socioeconomic development and cultural tightness. These findings convergently suggest that the positive vaccine attitudes among mainland Chinese are primarily driven by an amplified risk perception due to concern for others, rather than submission to authority.

Effect of gamification with a support partner to increase physical activity in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease: The STEP 4Life randomized clinical trial.

Physical activity is associated with reduced risk of cognitive and functional decline but scalable, sustainable interventions for populations at risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD and related dementias (ADRD) are lacking. A 12-week randomized-controlled trial was conducted with a 3-week follow-up using a national AD prevention registry (GeneMatch). The control group (n=50) set step goals and received daily feedback. The intervention group (n=44) also received a behaviorally designed game based on achieving step goals and reinforced by a support partner. Intervention participants (94 participants, mean age 70, 78% female) had greater change in mean daily step count than control of 1699 steps/day (95% confidence interval [CI], 1149-2249), P<0.0001, which was sustained in the follow-up period at 1219 steps/day (95% CI, 455-1983), P=0.0018. Carriers of the apolipoprotein E ε4 gene (high risk) did not perform differently than non-carriers; however, high self-reported risk perception was associated with higher activity. A gamified intervention was effective in promoting and sustaining higher physical activity in older adults at genetic risk for AD/ADRD. A simple game played with a support partner increased walking in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The game also increased minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. Perception of lifelong AD risk was associated with increased activity but genetic risk (apolipoprotein E ε4+) was not. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05069155.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic areas on green hotel consumption: exploring the congruence effect between location and timing

In the post-pandemic era, tourists are increasingly interested in sustainable consumption, particularly focusing on green hotels. Given the ongoing endemic nature of COVID-19, our research explores the effects of tourists’ residential locations, specifically pandemic-affected areas, on their intention to choose green hotels. Drawing on the Protection Motivation Theory, we discuss how and why residential location influences risk perception, which in turn motivates tourists to contribute to environmental protection by opting for green hotels. Results from five experiments suggest that the influence of pandemic areas on green hotel consumption can fluctuate over time. During the initial outbreak, a positive correlation emerges between tourists’ risk perception and their distance from the pandemic’s epicenter. Those residing in marginal areas show greater threat appraisal and stronger intentions toward choosing green hotels than tourists in central areas. However, this relationship is found to reverse during the mitigation and post-pandemic phases. Furthermore, our research reveals that hotels can significantly sway tourists toward green consumption through the strategic use of hope or fear appeals in advertising. These findings enrich the literature on pandemic-related influences on green consumption and offer practical insights for hotel managers and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable travel more effectively in the post-pandemic era.

Risk perception, efficacies and disaster preparedness: A comparison between people with and without disability

AbstractPersons with disabilities (PwDs) face a disproportionately high risk due to their physical or mental limitations and socioeconomic barriers during emergencies. To better understand and empower PwDs for disaster preparedness, this study used an updated national representative survey (2021 Federal Emergency Management Agency National Household Survey) from the United States to examine the differences between PwDs and their counterparts concerning disaster preparedness with the guidance of the protection motivation theory. The results of the Tobit regression models indicated that being disabled was negatively correlated with the level of preparedness. Furthermore, disability status significantly and negatively modified the relationship between risk perception and disaster preparedness. Likewise, self‐efficacy was less strongly correlated with preparedness activities if people self‐reported themselves as having a disability. Moreover, for people with disabilities, their beliefs about the effectiveness of preventive behaviours (response efficacy) predicted decreased adoption of preparedness measures. Promoting disaster risk reduction education, strengthening self‐efficacy and developing more inclusive and targeted intervention strategies for PwDs can be used to improve their preparedness degree and capacity for disaster prevention.

The role of communications on the relationship between feelings for and intention to visit a country with ongoing conflicts

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how feelings for a country influence visitation to conflict-ridden destinations. It also examines the moderating effect of communications – news about terror or pictures of the place’s attractions – and whether the pictures counteract the damaging news.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines the influence that feelings for a country have on visitation intentions, via the destination’s perceived risk and overall image. Furthermore, an experimental design is used to test the moderating influence of two communications stimuli. The sample consists of 309 individuals from the USA who were randomly exposed to various stimuli.FindingsThe findings confirm that feelings for the country shape risk perceptions, overall destination image and visitation intentions. Communications moderate the influence of these emotions. In addition, pictures of the destination’s attractions mitigate the adverse effect of negative news.Research limitations/implicationsThe investigation focuses on Turkey, a popular tourist destination, despite being subject to biases due to its geopolitical situation and ongoing armed conflict. The findings suggest that conflict-ridden destination managers should understand and use emotions, distinguishing between country and destination, while emphasizing the place’s attractions with visual communications to counter negative country reports.Originality/valueThis research contributes a comprehensive model that explains the impact that feelings for a country have on visitation decisions, highlighting the mediating role of risk perceptions and destination image. Furthermore, the study underlines the moderating role of communications, both positive and negative, that shape the effect of the emotions on the studied variables.

Watch out! High vigilance at small waterholes when alone in open trees.

An animal's environment contains many risks causing animals to scan their environment for potential predators and threats from conspecifics. How much time they invest in such vigilance depends on environmental and social factors. Most vigilance studies have been conducted in a foraging context with little known about vigilance in other contexts. Here we investigated vigilance of Gouldian finches at waterholes considering environmental and social factors. Gouldian finches are colour polymorphic with two main head colours in both sexes co-occurring in the same population, black-headed and red-headed. Data collection was done on birds sitting in trees surrounding waterholes by measuring the frequency of head movements, which reflects how frequently they change their field of view, i.e., scan different areas in their environment. A higher frequency generally reflects higher vigilance. Gouldian finches had a higher frequency of head movements when at small waterholes and when sitting in open, leafless trees. Moreover, head movements were higher when birds were alone in the tree as compared to groups of birds. Finally, birds in same head colour morph groups had a higher frequency of head movements than birds in mixed head colour groups. Results indicate heightened vigilance with increased perception of predation risk (small waterholes, open exposed perch, when alone) but that social vigilance also played a role (group composition) with particularly the aggressive red-headed birds being more vigilant when together with other red-headed birds. Future research should investigate the effect of smaller waterholes as global warming will cause smaller waterholes to become more common for longer periods of time, which can increase stress in the birds.

Burden of Infertility, Its Risk Factors, Perceptions and Challenges Faced by Women of Peri-urban Community from Ahmedabad City: Mixed Method Study

Burden of Infertility, Its Risk Factors, Perceptions and Challenges Faced by Women of Peri-urban Community from Ahmedabad City: Mixed Method Study

Financial Literacy and Risk Perception to Maximize Crypto Asset Investment Decisions

Financial Literacy and Risk Perception to Maximize Crypto Asset Investment Decisions

Guiding tourists’ cautious behaviour: the interaction role of goal message framing and construal level message during the public health crisis context

ABSTRACT Crisis communication is crucial for tourists’ safety, few studies have explored the impact of goal message framing and construal level message on tourists’ cautious behaviours in the public health crisis context. This study investigated the interaction effects of goal message framing effects (gain vs. loss) and construal level message (concrete vs. abstract) on tourists’ risk perception and cautious behaviours using two experiments. The findings suggest that the combination of a loss message and a concrete message, as well as the combination of a gain message and an abstract message, can effectively guide tourists’ cautious behaviours. Among these, the amalgamation of loss message framing with a concrete message is more effective and significant. Simultaneously, the persuasive effect of goal message framing and construal level on tourists’ cautious behaviours is mediated through risk perception. The results of this study can have better suggestions and responses for government units and tourism organisations in tourism crisis management.

Exploring Financial Behavior: A Qualitative Investigation into Psychological Factors Influencing Risk Preferences and Investment Decisions

This qualitative study investigates the psychological determinants influencing risk preferences and investment decisions. Grounded in phenomenology and interpretivism, the research aims to explore subjective experiences related to financial behavior. Employing purposive sampling, participants were selected based on diverse criteria. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Thematic analysis revealed intricate interplays between personal experiences, cognitive biases, emotions, social influences, and financial literacy, shaping individuals' risk perceptions and decision-making processes. Findings underscore the multifaceted nature of financial behavior, highlighting the significance of personality traits, cognitive styles, and decision-making biases. Risk-averse individuals prioritized capital preservation, while sensation seekers pursued high-risk, high-reward investments. Moreover, individuals' self-efficacy influenced their investment strategies. Cognitive biases, such as overconfidence and loss aversion, further impacted investment decisions. The study emphasizes the importance of considering psychological factors in designing personalized financial interventions and educational programs. Future research directions include longitudinal studies, cross-cultural comparisons, and interdisciplinary approaches integrating insights from psychology, economics, and finance. This research contributes to the advancement of knowledge in behavioral finance and informs practical implications for financial advisors and policymakers, aiming to enhance individuals' financial well-being and decision-making competence.

The impact of safety attitude on hazard identification and risk analysis: evidence from event-related potentials

ABSTRACT A questionnaire survey and an event-related potential (ERP) experiment were used to reveal the impact of safety attitudes on risk perception. The results revealed that during hazard identification, the N130 amplitude of subjects with negative safety attitude was significantly higher, which implied that subjects with negative safety attitude were more likely to feel confused. During risk analysis, subjects with positive safety attitude were more inclined to overestimate the probability and damage degree of risks; subjects with positive safety attitudes displayed higher P150 and late positive potential amplitudes, which indicated that subjects with positive safety attitudes devoted more attention to risks in the early stage of risk analysis and had a more intense affective response in the later period. The risk judgment ability of subjects with positive safety attitude was affected by time pressure, and they exhibited higher risk judgment accuracy only under no time pressure.

Adoption of Precision Agriculture Technologies among Farmers: A Comprehensive Review

Precision agriculture (PA) technologies have spearheaded a revolution in contemporary farming practices, ushering in an era of sustainability, efficiency, and data-driven agricultural production. This comprehensive examination aims to delve deeply into the intricate dynamics surrounding the adoption of precision agriculture technologies among farmers, synthesizing existing literature, identifying key determinants, barriers, and implications. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is influenced by a myriad of factors spanning socio-economic, institutional, technological, psychological, and attitudinal dimensions. Socio-economic factors such as farm size, income level, access to credit, and demographic characteristics are pivotal in shaping farmers' decisions to adopt PA technologies. Institutional factors, including government policies, extension services, market structures, and support networks, also wield significant influence over adoption patterns. Technological considerations, such as the complexity, compatibility, and perceived benefits of precision agriculture technologies, impact farmers' adoption decisions. Moreover, psychological factors such as risk perception, innovativeness, and attitudes towards change contribute to shaping farmers' willingness to embrace new technologies. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies holds immense promise for enhancing farm productivity, sustainability, and profitability. By enabling precise management of inputs such as water, fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds, PA technologies help optimize resource use, minimize environmental impact, and maximize yield potential. Furthermore, the integration of advanced data analytics, remote sensing, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices facilitates real-time monitoring, decision-making, and predictive analytics, empowering farmers with actionable insights for improved farm management. However, despite the compelling benefits, the adoption of precision agriculture technologies faces several barriers and challenges. High initial investment costs, limited access to capital, inadequate infrastructure, and technical knowledge gaps pose significant hurdles for farmers, particularly those operating in resource-constrained settings. Concerns regarding data privacy, security, and ownership also contribute to farmers' apprehensions about adopting PA technologies, raising questions about data governance and regulatory frameworks. To overcome these barriers and promote the widespread adoption of precision agriculture technologies, concerted efforts are needed from various stakeholders. Farmer education and training programs play a crucial role in enhancing digital literacy, technical skills, and awareness about the potential benefits of PA technologies. Government policies and incentives, including subsidies, grants, and tax incentives, can help alleviate financial barriers and incentivize adoption. Moreover, collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers is essential to drive technological innovation, develop user-friendly solutions, and address emerging challenges. Investments in infrastructure, such as rural broadband connectivity and sensor networks, are also imperative to ensure the seamless integration and scalability of precision agriculture technologies across diverse farming landscapes.

DCIS knowledge of women choosing between active surveillance and surgery for low-risk DCIS

BackgroundDuctal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can progress to invasive breast cancer (IBC), but often never will. As we cannot predict accurately which DCIS-lesions will or will not progress to IBC, almost all women with DCIS undergo breast-conserving surgery supplemented with radiotherapy, or even mastectomy. In some countries, endocrine treatment is prescribed as well. This implies many women with non-progressive DCIS undergo overtreatment. To reduce this, the LORD patient preference trial (LORD-PPT) tests whether mammographic active surveillance (AS) is safe by giving women with low-risk DCIS a choice between treatment and AS. For this, sufficient knowledge about DCIS is crucial. Therefore, we assessed women's DCIS knowledge in association with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. MethodsLORD-PPT participants (N = 376) completed a questionnaire assessing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, risk perception, treatment choice and DCIS knowledge after being informed about their diagnosis and treatment options. Results66 % of participants had poor knowledge (i.e., answered ≤3 out of 7 knowledge items correctly). Most incorrect answers involved overestimating the safety of AS and misunderstanding of DCIS prognostic risks. Overall, women with higher DCIS knowledge score perceived their risk of developing IBC as being somewhat higher than women with poorer knowledge (p = 0.049). Women with better DCIS knowledge more often chose surgery whilst most women with poorer knowledge chose active surveillance (p = 0.049). DiscussionOur findings show that there is room for improvement of information provision to patients. Decision support tools for patients and clinicians could help to stimulate effective shared decision-making about DCIS management.

Secure Travel Planning Using a Heuristic Algorithm

Security perception in the urban area has a significant effect on travel behaviour, preferences, and tour planning. The perceptions of security risks can vary depending on factors, such as age, gender, and previous experiences. This study aims to consider security risks when developing travel plans and schedules for various activities. An improved heuristic algorithm, based on the Travelling Salesman Problem with security parameter and flexibility aspects, is proposed. Public transport is considered in three situations: fixed, flexible, and flexible-security situations. The outcomes demonstrate that the flexible situation significantly decreases travel times by 21% compared to the basic (fixed) situation. At the same time, with a slightly increased travel time the security risk can be avoided in the flexible-security situation. Travelers can enjoy a higher quality of travelling and enhanced personal experience by minimizing the journey duration and the impact of security risks on the tour schedule. The proposed method provides significant benefits for transport operators by increasing the efficiency of the transportation system and higher customer satisfaction.