Public Communication Strategies Research Articles

The media risk of infodemic in public health emergencies: Consequences and mitigation approaches.

This study explores the nuances of information sharing in the context of infodemics, with a concentrated examination of the effects of opinion leaders and information attention on users' disposition towards sharing information during public health emergencies. The research adopts a quantitative methodology, employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to empirically test the proposed hypotheses. By employing a rigorous analytical framework, the research also scrutinizes the mediating role of risk perception in shaping users' intentions to disseminate information related to public health emergencies. Additionally, it investigates the moderating effect of perceived usefulness, shedding light on how it influences the strength of the relationship between information attention and risk perception. The findings underscore the significance for public health communication strategies, emphasizing targeted messaging utilizing trusted opinion leaders and emphasizing information utility to foster responsible sharing. This research contributes to the academic conversation on infodemic management, providing empirical insights to guide policies and practices in mitigating misinformation during public health emergencies.

Bottom-up actions: Examining perceived influence of pandemic news, information relevance, perceived media credibility, and pro-community participation.

When hyper-infectious diseases sweep over the world, pro-community participation has been found to effectively curb the spread of viruses. This study explores the associations among media-related perceptions and media users' pro-community participation during the peak of the 2022 COVID-19 outbreaks in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 976 Chinese media users in April 2022 to collect data on their pro-community participation and perceptions of pandemic news influence, information relevance, and credibility of traditional media and social media. Hierarchical regression analyses were run to analyze the associations between these perceptual variables and pro-community participation. The findings revealed that information relevance was positively associated with perceived news influence on oneself and pro-community participation. Perceived credibility of traditional media was positively associated with perceived news influence on both oneself and others. Perceived credibility of social media was positively associated with perceived news influence on others. Additionally, perceived credibility of traditional media positively moderated the association between information relevance and perceived news influence on others. Information relevance and perceived media credibility play significant roles in shaping media user' perceptions of news influence and their subsequent pro-community behaviors. Higher perceived media credibility can produce a broader impact on perceived news influence on both media users themselves and others, highlighting its importance in public health communication strategies. These insights can inform media practices and public health policies to enhance community participation during public health crises.

Public Relations Communication Strategies In Improving Regional Image (Study of Lubuklinggau City Regional Government Public Relations)

This research discusses the public relations communication strategy of the Lubuklinggau city government in improving the image of the Lubuklinggau city government. This research aims to find out what communication strategies are used by Lubuklinggau city government public relations in improving the image of Lubuklinggau city government. This research is a qualitative descriptive study with data collection techniques used, namely interviews and observation. The results of the research concluded that Lubuklinggau city government public relations has implemented a public relations strategy, namely exploring the desires of the community, socializing the achievements of the Lubuklinggau city government through the media, managing relationships, developing strategies and developing networks. In accordance with its role, public relations is a tool used to establish good relations between the government, society, mass media and other agencies so that good cooperation occurs. From there, public relations carries out communication activities with the public, media and other agencies. This is done to improve the image within the institution. From these activities and strategies, a harmonious relationship was established between the community and the Lubuklinggau city government.
 Keywords: Strategy, Communication, Public Relations, Regional Image

Multimedia Center: Strategi Dinas Komunikasi Informasi Pengkodean dan Statistik Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah dalam Pengelolaan Informasi

Online media has become one of the media for disseminating accurate and fastest information to the public. The multimedia center is an online medium used by the Central Kalimantan Province Information, Coding, and Statistics Communication Service to manage information for the public. This research focuses on the public relations of the Central Kalimantan Province Information, Coding, and Statistics Communication Service in using communication strategies to manage information conveyed to the public through a multimedia center. This research was conducted to find out and describe the public relations communication strategy of the Information, Coding, and Statistics Communication Service. This research aims to find out how the public relations communication strategy of the Central Kalimantan Provincial Communication Information, Coding, and Statistics Service manages information through a multimedia center using descriptive qualitative research. Descriptive research is research that tries to understand the phenomena that occur at the Central Kalimantan Province Information Communication, Encryption, and Statistics Service regarding what the research subjects feel. Using Harold D. Laswel's communication strategy theory as reinforcement for the strategy used. The data sources in this research contain primary and secondary data. Primary data was generated through face-to-face interviews with the Public Relations of the Central Kalimantan Province Information, Coding, and Statistics Communication Service and public communications management staff. Meanwhile, secondary data was obtained through the Multimedia Center website, previous research, books, journals, and websites. This research utilizes a purposive sampling strategy; the data instruments used are in-depth interviews, observation, documentation, and the validity of the data and conclusions. By implementing this strategy, the Central Kalimantan Province Information, Coding, and Statistics Communication Service found

Tort tales and total justice: Exploring attitudes toward everyday tort claims for workplace injuries

AbstractDespite some retrenchment, the litigation state remains alive and well. All this litigation has engendered intense debates over whether increased lawsuits represent a rising tide of justice or a flood of frivolous claims. Tort law has been at the center of these debates for decades, standing at the fault line between “tort tale,” “total justice,” and “mixed” narratives about the perils and benefits of litigation. In this article, we use a survey experiment to probe attitudes toward claims for workplace injuries in light of these narratives. We find that our participants held multifaceted views. On one hand, they favored making claims over doing nothing or asking family members for help and saw lawsuits as equally appropriate as filing a government claim or hiring a lawyer to send a demand letter. On the other hand, tort tale themes cast a subtle shadow over our participants' views. When told claimants did not rush to the courts in defiance of tort tale expectations, our participants saw the lawsuit as more justified. Indeed, the more remedies exhausted prior to litigation, the more justifiable the lawsuit seemed, even though repeated denials of claims might undermine faith in their merits. The bottom line, we contend, is that attitudes toward litigation reflect not only the choice of remedy but also how remedies are used, even when the underlying claim is meritorious—a point that could be useful to practitioners and advocates as they weigh claiming options as well as litigation and public communication strategies.

A rapid review of current engagement strategies with people who use drugs in monitoring and reporting on substance use-related harms

BackgroundThe Canadian drug supply has significantly increased in toxicity over the past few years, resulting in the worsening of the overdose crisis. A key initiative implemented during this crisis has been data monitoring and reporting of substance use-related harms (SRH). This literature review aims to: (1) identify strategies used for the meaningful engagement of people who use drugs (PWUD) in local, provincial, and national SRH data system planning, reporting, and action and (2) describe data monitoring and reporting strategies and common indicators of SRH within those systems.MethodsWe searched three academic and five gray literature databases for relevant literature published between 2012 and 2022. Team members who identify as PWUD and a librarian at Public Health Ontario developed search strings collaboratively. Two reviewers screened all search results and applied the eligibility criteria. We used Microsoft Excel for data management.ResultsTwenty-two articles met our eligibility criteria (peer-reviewed n = 10 and gray literature reports n = 12); most used qualitative methods and focused on the Canadian context (n = 20). There were few examples of PWUD engaged as authors of reports on SRH monitoring. Among information systems involving PWUD, we found two main strategies: (1) community-based strategies (e.g., word of mouth, through drug sellers, and through satellite workers) and (2) public health-based data monitoring and communication strategies (e.g., communicating drug quality and alerts to PWUD). Substance use-related mortality, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits were the indicators most commonly used in systems of SRH reporting that engaged PWUD.ConclusionThis review demonstrates limited engagement of PWUD and silos of activity in existing SRH data monitoring and reporting strategies. Future work is needed to better engage PWUD in these processes in an equitable manner. Building SRH monitoring systems in partnership with PWUD may increase the potential impact of these systems to reduce harms in the community.

REACHING YOUTH WITH RELIABLE INFORMATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: “SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SURE”

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, it is important to continue providing accurate updates and public health information to various target audiences. In support of such efforts, this study aims to understand how youth have accessed information about COVID-19 and to record their perspectives on how such information is best communicated. As part of a larger longitudinal study, 463 youth (M = 21.2 years, SD = 2.2) were surveyed about their sources of information on COVID-19, with qualitative questions regarding their perspectives on optimal public health communication strategies. A majority of youth reported using online sources to access information about COVID-19, including online news sources and social media. They used a diversity of such sources, with a preference those they regarded as reliable. Participants recommended that public health information campaigns be conducted on a variety of social media channels. Other digital campaigns were also recommended, while some suggested providing information through schools. Information should be brief, engaging, accessible, and frequently updated, using verified sources to ensure accuracy. We conclude that, to reach youth effectively, it is essential that accurate COVID-19 information and public health guidelines be disseminated in an engaging manner using digital means, particularly social media. Communication campaigns should be developed in partnership with youth in order to best reach this audience with the information they need.

Temporal and Emotional Variations in People's Perceptions of Mass Epidemic Infectious Disease After the COVID-19 Pandemic Using Influenza A as an Example: Topic Modeling and Sentiment Analysis Based on Weibo Data.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on society, including public health, the economy, daily life, and social interactions. Social distancing measures, travel restrictions, and the influx of pandemic-related information on social media have all led to a significant shift in how individuals perceive and respond to health crises. In this context, there is a growing awareness of the role that social media platforms such as Weibo, among the largest and most influential social media sites in China, play in shaping public sentiment and influencing people's behavior during public health emergencies. This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the sociospatial impact of mass epidemic infectious disease by analyzing the spatiotemporal variations and emotional orientations of the public after the COVID-19 pandemic. We use the outbreak of influenza A after the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. Through temporal and spatial analyses, we aim to uncover specific variations in the attention and emotional orientations of people living in different provinces in China regarding influenza A. We sought to understand the societal impact of large-scale infectious diseases and the public's stance after the COVID-19 pandemic to improve public health policies and communication strategies. We selected Weibo as the data source and collected all influenza A-related Weibo posts from November 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. These data included user names, geographic locations, posting times, content, repost counts, comments, likes, user types, and more. Subsequently, we used latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling to analyze the public's focus as well as the bidirectional long short-term memory model to conduct emotional analysis. We further classified the focus areas and emotional orientations of different regions. The research findings indicate that, compared with China's western provinces, the eastern provinces exhibited a higher volume of Weibo posts, demonstrating a greater interest in influenza A. Moreover, inland provinces displayed elevated levels of concern compared with coastal regions. In addition, female users of Weibo exhibited a higher level of engagement than male users, with regular users comprising the majority of user types. The public's focus was categorized into 23 main themes, with the overall emotional sentiment predominantly leaning toward negativity (making up 7562 out of 9111 [83%] sentiments). The results of this study underscore the profound societal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. People tend to be pessimistic toward new large-scale infectious diseases, and disparities exist in the levels of concern and emotional sentiments across different regions. This reflects diverse societal responses to health crises. By gaining an in-depth understanding of the public's attitudes and focal points regarding these infectious diseases, governments and decision makers can better formulate policies and action plans to cater to the specific needs of different regions and enhance public health awareness.

Public perceptions of hydrogen hubs in Southwestern Pennsylvania

With the growing interest in hydrogen as an energy carrier and the federal-level investments in the development of hydrogen hubs in the United States, public perception and understanding of hydrogen and of regional hydrogen hubs will play a key role. The tri-state region of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a prime candidate for the development of such a hub. Because most people in the region have almost no familiarity with hydrogen, a modified mental models approach was developed. Eight participatory seminars were conducted over the course of five months in the greater Pittsburgh region to develop an initial understanding of likely public reactions. The study presents an overview of which advantages, disadvantages and uncertainties were mentioned across the group interviews, both as related to blue hydrogen and to a hypothetical hydrogen hub. While some discussions confirmed prior findings on public perception studies, we found that even when topics are not introduced by a facilitator, the interviews allowed participants the freedom to raise even advanced engineering topics independently. The groups were asked to identify which groups would be likely to support and oppose a hypothetical hub project. Participants’ responses displayed unique regional considerations. Based on the discussions observed, developing a cohesive public communication strategy between public and private sectors will need to account for both hydrogen production methods and, where relevant, associated technologies (such as carbon capture and sequestration). Lastly, regional differences are likely to play a role in determining the topics and communication strategy that would best address potential concerns of residents.

Undermining support for COVID-19 public health policies: an analysis of the impact of subversive conspiracy narratives on Czech General Practitioners.

Limited knowledge exists regarding the impact of COVID-19 conspiracy theories on the professional practice of general practitioners (GPs). This study aimed to identify the basic characteristics of GPs who endorse COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs and compare their level of support for COVID-19 health policies with GPs who do not believe in conspiracies. Between January and February 2021, a representative online survey was conducted among 1163 GPs in the Czech Republic. The sample was designed to be representative of members of The Association of GPs of the Czech Republic. The survey revealed that nearly 14% of the GPs surveyed believed in one or more COVID-19 conspiracies. The average age of GPs who endorsed conspiracies was 58, which was higher than the rest of the sample (average age of 50). GPs who believed in conspiracies were less likely to support COVID-19 public health policies and therapy recommendations, including vaccination. Logistic and linear regression analyses indicated that doctors who believed in conspiracies were 2.62 times less likely to have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Mediation analysis showed that approximately one-quarter (23.21%) of the total effect of trust in government information on support for public health policies was indirectly mediated by the endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs. The study findings suggest a concerning association between belief in COVID-19 conspiracies and a reduced level of support for public health policies among GPs. These results underscore the importance of incorporating the 'conspiracy agenda' into medical authorities' more effective public health communication strategies.

Interpersonal Meaning in Public Communication Strategy

The outbreak of unfiltered and uncontrollable information during the COVID-19 pandemic era has given rise to the phenomenon known as the ”infodemic.” This phenomenon has caused confusion and instilled fear among the public. The infodemic has made it challenging for people to access accurate, credible, and reliable sources of guidance, resulting in public distrust. In response, governments have taken direct action by establishing COVID-19 Task Forces at national and institutional levels. These task forces serve as the frontline in providing directions and information to the public about COVID-19. To fulfill this role, COVID-19 Task Forces in universities have made efforts to design communication strategies that can earn the trust of the community. This study aims to identify the public communication strategies employed by two universities, namely Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA) and Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI). The focus will be on the use of interpersonal meaning in delivering the message. The research utilizes a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data collection techniques involve in-depth observation interviews, literature review/documentation, and focus group discussions (FGDs). The data analysis employs interpersonal meaning analysis based on Halliday’s framework. The results reveal that each university adopts a distinct interpersonal meaning as their public communication strategy to portray their institutional image.
 Keywords: Covid-19 task force, interpersonal meaning, public communication strategy

Public Diplomacy and Communication Strategy in the Centennial of the Republic of Türkiye

Devletlerin toplumlarla doğrudan ilişki kurmasını sağlayan kitle iletişim araçları, yumuşak gücünü artırma ve çıkarlarını ilerletme amacıyla devletlerin dış politika mesajlarını yayması, diğer devletlerin halklarına kendilerini tanıtması ve toplumsal diyaloğun geliştirilmesi açılarından etkili bir unsur hâline gelmiştir. Avrupa ve Asya’nın kesişim noktasında bulunan ve kendisini önemli bir bölgesel ve uluslararası aktör olarak konumlandıran Türkiye, kültürel miras ve diplomasi aracılığıyla nüfuzunu ilerletmede köklü bir geçmişe sahiptir. Bu makale, 100. yılını kutlayan Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin yumuşak gücüyle ilişkili olan ve kültürel unsurlara vurgu yapan, Osmanlı İmparatorluğu’na uzanan ve değişen küresel dinamiklere cevaben gelişim gösteren kamu diplomasisi ve iletişim stratejisinin seyrini araştırmaktadır. Çalışmada, Türkiye’nin yabancı kamuoyları ile iletişimini geliştirmek, uluslararası imajını iyileştirmek, bölgesel ve uluslararası bir aktör olarak nüfuzunu artırmak için kültürel ögelerinden nasıl yararlandığı değerlendirilmektedir. Bu makale, yumuşak güç kullanımı ve kültürel tanıtım çerçevesinde Türkiye’nin kamu diplomasisinin çok yönlü yanlarını analiz ederek dış politika mesajlarına yön veren temel ilkelerle bütünlüğünü ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Çalışma metodolojik açıdan tarihsel değişim ve süreklilik içerisinde Türkiye’nin kamu diplomasisi araçlarının tespitinde literatür taramasından yararlanmakta ve en etkili şekilde kullanılan araçların ve kurumların faaliyetlerinin içeriklerinin analiz edilmesine dayanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Cumhuriyetin 100. yılında iletişim araçlarının kamu diplomasisinde kullanılmak üzere kurumsallaştırılması ve kurumların Türkiye’nin imajını yaymadaki rolü ele alınmaktadır. Küresel çapta kamu diplomasisi faaliyetleri yürüten Türkiye’nin uluslararası arenada etkili bir aktör olmak amacıyla eğitim, sanat ve kültür alanlarında kültürel mirasını, dilini ve sanatını tanıtmaya yönelik etkinlikler ve uluslararası yayıncılık aracılığıyla uluslararası kamuoyu ile iletişimini artırdığı görülmektedir. İkili işbirlikleri, anlaşmalar, uluslararası etkinlikler ve yayıncılık çerçevesinde yürütülen kamu diplomasisi ve iletişim stratejisi Türkiye’nin dış politika hedefleri çerçevesinde yumuşak gücüne katkıda bulunmaktadır.

THE EFFECT OF AWARENESS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND HEALTH LITERACY LEVELS ON HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS

It can be argued that the COVID-19 outbreak has created awareness in terms of understanding the importance of health, hygiene, financial and spiritual well-being. In this study, it was aimed to determine the awareness levels of university students about the COVID-19 outbreak and whether their health literacy levels have an effect on their healthy lifestyle behaviors. The research population consists of students studying at Bilecik Seyh Edebali University. The convenience sampling method, which is a non-random sampling method, was used in the data collection. The sample size in this study was 457 individuals. The data obtained in the study were evaluated through the SPSS 22.0 statistical software in computer environment. When the regression analysis of the study was examined, a significant cause-and-effect relationship was found between following the news and developments, being affected by the work life, having concerns, taking precautions, health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Therefore, health literacy needs to be adapted and integrated into daily life in COVID-19 and similar infectious diseases. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for the development of public health policies and health communication strategies. Strengthening health awareness and enhancing health literacy during and after the pandemic will be critical steps to promote and sustain healthy lifestyle behaviors. By implementing effective measures, society can strive for improved health outcomes and better preparedness for future health challenges.

Optimizing Public Communication in the Digital Era: A Case Study of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in Indonesia

Effective public communication is pivotal in today's digital age, where the interplay of various channels and media platforms shapes societal interactions. This study delves into the intricate domain of public communication, focusing on the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (KOMINFO) in Indonesia. Employing qualitative research methods, including case studies, observations, interviews, and document analysis, this research investigates KOMINFO's strategies, particularly its social media communication initiatives. The study illuminates the challenges faced by the government in bridging communication gaps with the public and explores the innovative solutions deployed, including the utilization of social media platforms, digital literacy programs, and the engagement of skilled communicators. Despite commendable efforts, challenges persist, especially in the context of crisis communication, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for ongoing research to align expectations with outcomes and offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to optimize public communication strategies in the evolving digital landscape.

What Should I Believe In? This Is about My Child's Health! Exploring Information Behavior and Attitudes towards Vaccination: A Comparative Study of Polish and Ukrainian Parents

ABSTRACTThis study delves into the realm of information behavior research, examining the attitudes and information‐seeking patterns of Polish and Ukrainian parents regarding vaccination. Amidst rising vaccine skepticism globally, understanding how individuals acquire and evaluate information about vaccinations is crucial for effective public health communication. Through in‐depth interviews and surveys, the study examines how parents acquire information about vaccinations, evaluate the credibility of this information, and identify cognitive authorities that enhance information credibility. Preliminary findings demonstrate distinct information‐seeking strategies between pro‐vaccination and skeptical parents. Parents in favor of vaccination tend to rely on a single source, typically their doctor, emphasizing the authority associated with their role. In contrast, skeptical parents consult various sources, prioritizing close personal relationships and shared experiences. In contrast, skeptical parents consult various sources, prioritizing close personal relationships and shared experiences. Moreover, opponents of vaccination exhibit a stronger affective dimension when assessing source credibility. The study also highlights the distinctive use of books and articles among vaccine opponents, despite their general mistrust of science. This study contributes to the field of information behavior research, offering insights into parental information‐seeking dynamics, and their implications for public health policy and communication strategies.

Symbolic image in public communication of Thu Dau Mot University

Symbolic images stand for more than simply what appears before the eyes. They represent a deeper meaning behind the image – something. The symbolic images in public communications, and techniques of their application as an instrument of forming desired ideological models within social consciousness, as well as consider principles of social psychology that enable successful application of communication technologies to a target audience by appealing to their image thinking. Applied methods of the research are: sociocultural, historical, and content analysis, this article focuses on analyzing the significance of symbol image in public communication strategies and its impacts on brand building, trust establishment, and fostering a positive interactive environment with the public. Based on lessons drawn from practical public communication activities of Thu Dau Mot University, the article proposes additional measures to enhance the effectiveness of the unit's communication and their potential application to specific cases, contributing to the development of the field of public communication.

Asthma-Associated Emergency Department Visits During the Canadian Wildfire Smoke Episodes - United States, April- August 2023.

During April 30-August 4, 2023, smoke originating from wildfires in Canada affected most of the contiguous United States. CDC used National Syndromic Surveillance Program data to assess numbers and percentages of asthma-associated emergency department (ED) visits on days with wildfire smoke, compared with days without wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke days were defined as days when concentrations of particulate matter (particles generally ≤2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter) (PM2.5) triggered an Air Quality Index ≥101, corresponding to the air quality categorization, "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." Changes in asthma-associated ED visits were assessed across U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regions and by age. Overall, asthma-associated ED visits were 17% higher than expected during the 19 days with wildfire smoke that occurred during the study period; larger increases were observed in regions that experienced higher numbers of continuous wildfire smoke days and among persons aged 5-17 and 18-64 years. These results can help guide emergency response planning and public health communication strategies, especially in U.S. regions where wildfire smoke exposure was previously uncommon.

The Diffusion Process of The Vaccination Program Covid-19 in Order To Influence Changes in Public Attitudes Towards The Covid-19 Vaccination Program

The existence of the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on various sectors of life such as the social, economic, cultural, health and political sectors. For this reason, the government has resolved the Covid-19 pandemic problem by issuing innovations in the form of a mass Covid-19 vaccination program. But unfortunately there is community resistance to the implementation of the program. The aim of this research is to provide an analysis of people's rejection of the Covid-19 vaccine. Research uses the theory of innovation diffusion. The research uses a qualitative descriptive approach, with a constructivism perspective paradigm, the respondents are the people of Depok city. Based on the results of the analysis it was found that there are 4 main elements that influence each other so that they can help increase the speed of innovation spread and adoption. The results of the study can be concluded that innovation in the form of Covid-19 vaccination can be effective by using the right communication channels and involving public figures, so that the messages conveyed are in accordance with the values that exist in society. The spread of innovation and adoption can go well because of the right public communication strategy. Based on the findings of this study, the authors recommend that the government be able to produce effective communication policies to reduce public resistance to the implementation of the Covid-19 vaccination.

Perceived Opportunities and Challenges of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transit Use: What Are the Socio-Demographic Predictors?

The adoption of autonomous demand-responsive transit (ADRT) to support regular public transport has the potential to enhance sustainable mobility. There is a dearth of research on the socio-demographic characteristics associated with perceived opportunities and challenges regarding ADRT adoption in Australia. In this research, we fill this knowledge gap by determining socio-demographic predictors of perceptions and attitudes towards ADRT, specifically autonomous shuttle buses (ASBs), among adult residents of South East Queensland. This study incorporates a review of prior global studies, a stated preference survey distributed across the case study region, and descriptive and logistic regression analysis. We found that the main perceived opportunity of ASBs is reduced congestion/emissions, while the primary anticipated challenge relates to unreliable technology. Fully employed respondents are likely to be more familiar with autonomous vehicles. Females and those from lower-income households are less likely to have ridden in an autonomous vehicle. Males, those who are younger, have high employment, hail from higher-income households, and with no driver’s licence are all more favourable towards ASBs. Males, those with high employment, and without driver’s licence are likely to be more concerned about traffic accidents when using ASBs. Less-educated respondents and those living in peri-urban areas are likely to be more concerned about fares. Insights are drawn from the current study to inform policymakers to consider key challenges (e.g., trust issues) and target groups (particularly females) in planning public communication strategies to enhance receptiveness to ADRT.

Tobacco-control policy support among people from low socioeconomic positions in Massachusetts

People from low socioeconomic positions (SEP) are at a higher risk of smoking, face greater barriers to smoking cessation, and have lower access to health information. To improve tobacco-related health outcomes, policies requiring altering labeling on cigarette packs could be implemented. However, public support is needed to influence the policymaking process. We assessed factors associated with supporting tobacco-control communication policies. We analyzed data from Project CLEAR, a study conducted in Massachusetts. The analytic sample included participants who answered questions on their support for three policies: 1) graphic health warnings (GHWs), 2) Quitline number, and 3) smoking cessation information on cigarette packs (n = 357). Binomial logistic regression modeling was conducted by policy. Independent variables included demographic characteristics and smoking status. We found that younger vs. older individuals (aOR = 0.41, 95 %CI:0.23–0.72), males vs. females (aOR = 0.58, 95 %CI:0.35–0.96), and people who smoke vs. those who don’t smoke (aOR = 0.41, 95 %CI:0.24–0.70) were less likely to support a law requiring GHWs. Participants with a low vs. higher level of education (aOR = 0.55, 95 %CI:0.32–0.95) were less likely to support a law requiring a Quitline number. Younger (18–39) vs. older individuals (aOR = 0.53, 95 %CI:0.29–0.94), males vs. females (aOR = 0.57, 95 %CI:0.34–0.96), and participants with a low vs. higher level of education (aOR = 0.56, 95 %CI:0.32–0.98) were less likely to support a law requiring cessation information on cigarette packs. Findings suggest that targeted theory-based public health and communication strategies should be developed to increase awareness and support towards policies that would help reduce cigarette smoking among people from low SEP to eliminate tobacco-related health inequities in the US.