Risk Information Research Articles

Can an Expert Opinion Mitigate Racially Biased Diversion Decisions? An Empirical Examination in the Context of Re-Offense Risk Assessment

Using a vignette-based experimental design, this study tested whether the racial or ethnic identity of a justice-impacted person influences jury-eligible individuals’ perceptions of post-conviction risk, placement (incarceration vs. community supervision), and need for mandated treatment. Furthermore, we examined whether the inclusion of data from a reoffense risk tool could mitigate racial bias. Participants recruited through Amazon’s MTurk ( N = 448) were randomly assigned to conditions varying by race/ethnicity of an examinee (Black, Latino, White) and if/how risk assessment data were included (no risk data, risk data only, and risk data reported by a qualified examiner). There was no statistically significant effect of the examinee’s racial/ethnic identity on ratings of reoffense risk or placement decisions; however, the Black examinee was more likely to be mandated with treatment. Regardless of examinee identity, participants exposed to risk information proffered by an expert more often calibrated their risk decisions to the examinee’s actual risk level.

Effects of personal cancer history and genomic risk information on mothers' psychological adaptation to inherited breast/ovarian cancer syndrome.

This study aimed to understand long-term coping responses of mothers (N = 287) receiving genetic counseling and testing (GCT) for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome. Psychological characteristics, including cancer-specific distress (Impact of Events Scale-Revised, α = .85) and coping (Brief COPE, α = .93) were assessed via structured personal communication, along with epidemiologic items assessing personal and family history of cancer. Genetic risk was determined by BRCA1/2 carriage. A principal component analysis was conducted on the coping measure to reduce its summary score to active coping (α = .91) with nine approach-oriented strategies responsive to stress. A multivariable regression model examined the main and interacting effects of clinical and psychological characteristics on maternal coping. Personal cancer history (F = 4.99, df = 1, p = .026), BRCA test result (F = 22.20, df = 1, p < .001), and cancer-specific distress (F = 17.80, df = 1, p < .001) were associated with greater engagement in active coping strategies. When controlling for cancer-specific distress, the interaction between personal cancer history and genetic test results was significant, such that women previously unaffected by cancer who received positive BRCA results reported the greatest levels of active coping (F = 7.92, p < .001). These findings indicate that previous cancer history, genetic risk, and psychological distress independently and jointly impact how women adapt to the threat of cancer over time.

The Visibility of Climate‐Related Disclosures by Large Australian Companies

Mobilising the work of Brighenti (2007), we assess the visibility of climate‐related disclosures across different reporting venues and sectors for the 2022 reporting period. We do so by analysing the content of the corporate reports of 28 ASX50 companies. This is supplemented by articles published in the Australian media and on prominent activist investor websites. We find that physical climate risks are often under‐reported or superficially addressed in company reports, whereas transition opportunities related to a low‐carbon economy are more frequently disclosed. This discrepancy suggests a pattern of selective disclosure emphasising more favourable outcomes and potentially obscuring the full spectrum of climate‐related risks and opportunities. In contrast, transition risks are supra‐visible because of the attention from media and activist investors—particularly in the energy and materials sectors. Our results reflect concerns raised by regulators with regard to greenhushing (the withholding of information) of physical and transition risks and greenwashing (exaggerated claims) of transition opportunities. We also find inconsistencies in reporting practice, with implications for comparability and the faithful representation of climate‐related information.

Investigating the link between coronary artery calcification and atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Both coronary artery calcification (CAC) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are associated with common risk factors, such as age, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Investigating their association may provide insights into shared pathophysiological mechanisms and overlapping risk profiles. A systematically search was performed covering various data bases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI, and Google Scholar from January 2000 until December 2023 for English-published articles. We focused on observational studies-cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional-that involved adult participants (aged 18 and older) and provided data on the any association between CAC and AF. We excluded studies if the full text was unavailable, the publication was not in English, there was insufficient numerical data or relative risk information. All the included articles (n = 14), were observational studies (n = 5 case-control and n = 9 cohort). All of the included papers (100%), reported a link between CAC and higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events such as stroke and mortality in AF patients. The overall prevalence of AF across 5 studies was estimated to be 9.00% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.00, 16.00), and 60% of the AF population were male. The overall proportion of AF in individuals with a coronary artery calcification score (CACS) of 0 is relatively high at 0.48 (95% CI: 0.32, 0.64), followed by CACS (1-99) which was 0.22 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.28), CACS (100-399) which was 0.17 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.28), and CACS (≥ 400) as 0.14 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.22). It can be concluded that there is a robust and consistent association between CAC and AF. Our systematic review underscores the importance of considering CAC as a potential factor in assessing the risk of AF, while also recognizing the multifactorial nature of this relationship.

Trajectories of triglyceride-glucose index changes and their association with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: a competing risk analysis

BackgroundThe association between changes in insulin resistance, reflected by the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, and mortality remains unclear. This study investigated whether longitudinal trajectories of TyG index changes are associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 233,546 adults aged ≥ 19 years from the Korea National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. Participants were categorized as having increasing, stable, or decreasing TyG index changes during a 4-year exposure period (2009–2014). Mortality outcomes were assessed during an 8.13-year follow-up period (2015–2021). Cox proportional hazards regression and competing risk analysis were used to evaluate all-cause and CVD mortality.ResultsA total of 7918 mortality events, including 651 CVD deaths, were recorded. Compared with the stable group, adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 1.09 (95% CI 1.03–1.15) in the increasing group and 1.23 (95% CI 1.01–1.50) for CVD mortality. An increased TyG index was significantly associated with all-cause mortality in individuals aged < 50 years; men; and individuals with obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and/or dyslipidemia. For CVD mortality, significant associations were found in individuals aged 50–69 years, with obesity, with diabetes, or without dyslipidemia.ConclusionAn increasing TyG index from baseline during follow-up was independently associated with higher risks of all-cause and CVD mortality. Serial monitoring of TyG index changes could enhance risk stratification and inform targeted interventions to reduce insulin resistance, and ultimately lower mortality risk.

A Cross-Regional Study on the Public's Channel Preferences for Accessing Information

In this study, an online questionnaire was administered simultaneously in Beijing and Seoul to investigate the public's channel preferences for air quality index (AQI) information and risk perception of air pollution in order to comparatively analyze the public's information acquisition behaviors in different media environments. As people become more aware of the health risks of air pollution, the AQI has become routine information released when there is a need to warn of health hazards, and many countries are releasing it to the public through a variety of information channels to ensure that the public can perceive the risks and take appropriate measures in a timely manner. This study, through a comparative cross-regional analysis, found that public preferences for accessing AQI information varied across regions with differing media environments. In addition, the correlation between air pollution risk perceptions and information access behaviors varied across regions.

Why do we misperceive air pollution? A scoping review of key judgmental biases

AbstractAir pollution stands as a primary environmental factor influencing mortality globally. Despite its significance, individuals frequently struggle to assess the risks associated with polluted environments. This paper delves into the psychological mechanisms that contribute to the discrepancy between public perception of air quality and objective measurements. Through an extensive literature review spanning several decades, six fundamental heuristics that underpin misperceptions of air quality are identified and examined. The article further explores the theoretical and practical implications of acknowledging these biases in the development of urban environmental policies. By addressing judgmental biases, urban planners can improve the communication of risk information among lay people and ensure that environmental improvements are acknowledged and valued by all members of the community.

What drives AI-based risk information-seeking intent? Insufficiency of risk information versus (Un)certainty of AI chatbots

This study explored the factors influencing the U.S. public's intent to seek risk information via AI-powered channels, such as ChatGPT. It focused on cognitive and affective pathways that lead to uncertainty about both risk information and AI chatbots in the context of climate change risk. We conducted a comparative analysis to discern the impacts of risk perceptions related to climate change and AI-caused privacy risks on public uncertainty and decision-making regarding the use of AI chatbots. Specifically, we assessed how different risk-related perceptions and emotions contribute to subsequent uncertainty perceptions and decision-making regarding AI chatbot use for climate change risk information. We enlisted 1023 U.S. citizens aged 21–65 via CloudResearch in September 2023. The results reveal that high levels of perceived risk, strong negative emotions, and information insufficiency drive information-seeking behavior through AI chatbots. Perceived privacy concerns about AI technology significantly increase AI anxiety, which is positively associated with perceived uncertainty. Both AI anxiety and perceived uncertainty negatively affect the intent to seek information via AI chatbots. Conversely, perceived trust in AI chatbots significantly increases positive emotional responses, reduces perceived uncertainty, and enhances the intent to seek information via AI chatbots. We also investigated the mediation effects within each study model tested. The findings offer theoretical and practical implications for future studies on the public's adoption of AI services for risk information seeking, influenced by both risk-related and technology-based contexts.

Comparison of methods for using risk information in path planning for autonomous surface vessels

Abstract Path planning is an essential part of autonomous surface vessel (ASV) operations. Risk models can be used to give estimates of risk related to the operation of technical systems, such as ASVs. Combining risk models directly with control systems can be a way to make autonomous systems more capable of assessing and evaluating risk, and in this way allow them to make better decisions. Focusing on path planning, this study aims at investigating how an online risk model used to inform an ASV of risk compares to a static safety domain. The results show that the paths selected when using the risk model can consider different environmental conditions, and the choice of path can be adapted based on how conservative the ASV should be with respect to risk. In this way the risk model provides a more detailed basis for making decisions than the static safety domain.

Analysing institutional responses towards disaster risk reduction: challenges and antecedents

Globally, the frequency and magnitude of weather-related hazards poses significant challenges for governments and the private and the not-for-profit sectors. This paper provides exploratory insight into the challenges that hinder institutional responses to risk reduction. This study specifically considered public sector organisations within disaster risk reduction (DRR) organisational fields. The paper identifies 3 major constraints, which include fragmentation, difficulties in using risk information and cultural identities that affect public sector organisations and community responses. To analyse these issues, an institutional theory lens was used to explain the antecedents under which institutional actors may respond based on events and stakeholder expectations and demands. The findings suggest that challenges hindering response to risks and emergencies are strategic, institutional or operational in nature. A selection of public sector organisations response initiatives is presented within an Australian context with analysis of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2023 Priority 4. Recommendations and further research to identify and address other institutional constraints and sectors are recommended.

Market Valuation of Risk Reporting: The Role of Business Model Disclosure

Narrative risk reporting is essential to providing investors with information about company risks. Recent regulations require large companies to disclose narrative information about their main risks, opportunities, and business model (BM) value drivers. While only minimum disclosure requirements are defined, principle‐based guidelines have suggested that companies contextualize risk disclosure by linking it to BM information. Hence, this study investigates the level of integration of BM reporting and risk reporting, and the consequences of such an integration on market values. This research analyzes the annual reports of a sample of UK‐listed companies over four years. Risk disclosure indexes are developed to capture the quality and integration of risk information, and value‐relevance analyses are carried out to investigate the impact of risk reporting on market values. The analyses indicate that narrative risk information is value relevant only when integrated with BM reporting. Additional analyses show that risk information is associated with reduced information asymmetry but only when disclosed risk factors are related to BM information. Hence, BM disclosure can serve as a filter to identify and interpret the most relevant company's risks. The results are valuable to various stakeholders, including academics, standard setters, and professional bodies. The study's policy implications suggest the need to develop guidelines clarifying the definitions of BM and risk and ways to integrate the narrative information, in light of recent regulatory developments in the EU.

Evaluation of knowledge of risk factors and warning signs of stroke among paramedical students

Stroke is a medical emergency caused by a blockage or rupture in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. This prevents brain tissue from receiving oxygen, leading to the death of brain cells within minutes and causing neurological damage, disability, or death. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess baseline knowledge regarding stroke risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and information resources. The “golden hour” is a time span of 60 minutes or less after stroke symptoms begin. There are two types of stroke, namely ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke is further divided into thrombotic and embolic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke is further divided into intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Methods: The research method used in the study is a quantitative research approach. Purposive sampling techniques were used and 1050 participants were assessed The questionnaire consists of demographic details such as department, level of education, family history, and knowledge questions based on risk factors and management. Results: This study comprises 1040 patients who fulfill the inclusion criteria. The survey assessed the knowledge of risk factors and warning signs of stroke among future healthcare professionals (pharmacy, nursing, and AHS). The current findings reported that 51.8% of the paramedical students had knowledge about stroke, while the majority of them reported poor knowledge overall. The findings identified that 57.4% of the student population were knowledgeable about risk factors, 69.9% were knowledgeable about warning signs, and 51.8% were knowledgeable about management. These results were similar to many previous studies conducted around the world. Conclusion: Better knowledge about stroke, recognizing the risk factors, and being able to provide immediate management are essential for paramedical students. This is crucial for reducing stroke incidence and improving survival rates of patients by providing better medical help through early detection, rapid intervention, and better long-term health outcomes not only in a medical setup but also in their respective environments.

Examining the Link Between Information Processing and Preventive Behavior in the Risk Information-Seeking and Processing (RISP) Model: A Panel Study

The Risk Information-Seeking and Processing (RISP) model postulates that individuals who process risk information systematically are likely to hold stronger attitudes toward preventive behavior than those who process information heuristically. Therefore, individuals’ attitudes toward risk preventive behavior developed or changed through systematic processing are likely to be more persistent over time than those whose attitudes are based on heuristic processing. To examine this proposition, we conducted to a two-wave panel study in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings supported the proposition that processing influenced attitude strength, which influenced individuals’ attitude toward behavior a year later. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Impact of risk information on health beliefs and behaviours: experimental evidence

ABSTRACT The local prevalence of infections and the severity of their consequences are among the key determinants of the adoption of preventive behaviours against infectious diseases. In Bangladesh, where local COVID-19 infection statistics were not readily accessible, I found that most people underestimated the local prevalence of COVID-19 infections while overestimated the fatality rate. In a randomized experiment, the treatment group was provided with information about the coronavirus case numbers in their districts, along with the case fatality rate in Bangladesh and globally. Immediately after receiving this information, the treatment group perceived a higher infection risk. Nine to fifteen days post-intervention, those who received information were less likely to underestimate the local prevalence and, consequently, still perceived a higher infection risk. They also updated their belief about the fatality rate downward. Potentially due to this countervailing update of risk beliefs, the information had no effect on self-reported preventive behaviours.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information Exposure: The Effect of Online Authority vs. Non-Authority Sources on Beliefs, Emotions and Information Engagement Behaviors.

Background/Objectives: Limited research has examined the theoretical linkages between exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information sources, vaccination-related beliefs, vaccination-induced emotions, and vaccine information engagement. Methods: An online survey was conducted with a national sample of adults (N = 630) residing in the U.S. to test these relationships, guided by the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework and the Health Belief Model. Results: Study findings showed that exposure to online authority vaccine information sources was positively related to vaccination-benefit beliefs and negatively related to vaccination-barrier beliefs, in addition to hopeful feelings connected to vaccination. Exposure to non-authority sources was positively associated with vaccination-barrier beliefs, hopeful and fearful feelings connected to vaccination, and vaccine information engagement. While vaccination-benefit beliefs and vaccination-barrier beliefs were negatively and positively linked to vaccine information engagement, respectively, these beliefs were each positively connected to hopeful feelings and fearful feelings toward vaccination in that order. Both hopeful and fearful feelings toward vaccination also emerged as positive correlates of vaccine information engagement. Conclusions: This study contributes to our understanding of how cognitive appraisals of and affective responses to risk information disseminated by different types of sources may be related to risk information engagement behavior in a public health crisis. Results bring evidence-based insights to both researchers and health professionals to better equip them to counter vaccine misinformation and reduce vaccination barriers.

What do women want to see in a personalized breast cancer risk report? A qualitative study of Asian women of two countries.

A breast cancer risk assessment tool for Asian populations, incorporating Polygenic Risk Score and Gail Model algorithm, has been established and validated. However, effective methods for delivering personalized risk information remain underexplored. This study aims to identify and develop effective methods for conveying breast cancer risk information to Asian women. Through ten focus group discussions with 32 women in Indonesia and Singapore, we explored preferences for the presentation of risk information. Participants favored comprehensive reports featuring actionable steps, simplified language, non-intimidating visuals, and personalized risk reduction recommendations. Singaporean participants, more aware of breast cancer prevention, showed a lower likelihood of seeking follow-ups upon receiving low-risk results compared to Indonesians. Overall, participants found the reports useful and advocated for similar approaches in other disease assessments. Balancing content and complexity in reports is crucial, highlighting the need for improved patient understanding and engagement with healthcare providers. Future studies could explore physicians' roles in delivering personalized risk assessments for breast cancer prevention.

Improving the communication of multifactorial cancer risk assessment results for different audiences: a co-design process.

Multifactorial cancer risk prediction tools, such as CanRisk, are increasingly being incorporated into routine healthcare. Understanding risk information and communicating risk is challenging and healthcare professionals rely substantially on the outputs of risk prediction tools to communicate results. This work aimed to produce a new CanRisk report so users can directly access key information and communicate risk estimates effectively. Over a 13-month period, we led an 8-step co-design process with patients, the public, and healthcare professionals. Steps comprised 1) think aloud testing of the original CanRisk report; 2) structured feedback on the original report; 3) literature review; 4) development of a new report prototype; 5) first round of structured feedback; 6) updating the new report prototype; 7) second round of structured feedback; and 8) finalising and publishing the new CanRisk report. We received 56 sets of feedback from 34 stakeholders. Overall, the original CanRisk report was not suitable for patients and the public. Building on the feedback, the new report has an overview of the information presented: section one summarises key information for individuals; sections two and three present information for healthcare professionals in different settings. New features also include explanatory text, definitions, graphs, keys and tables to support the interpretation of the information. This co-design experience shows the value of collaboration for the successful communication of complex health information. As a result, the new CanRisk report has the potential to better support shared decision-making processes about cancer risk management across clinical settings.

Assessing Bias Toward a Black or White Simulated Patient with Obesity in a Virtual Reality-Based Genomics Encounter.

Interpersonal bias based on weight and race is widespread in the clinical setting; it is crucial to investigate how emerging genomics technologies will interact with and influence such biases in the future. The current study uses a virtual reality (VR) simulation to investigate the influence of apparent patient race and provision of genomic information on medical students' implicit and explicit bias toward a virtual patient with obesity. Eighty-four third- and fourth-year medical students (64% female, 42% White) were randomized to interact with a simulated virtual patient who appeared as Black versus White, and to receive genomic risk information for the patient versus a control report. We assessed biased behavior during the simulated encounter and self-reported attitudes toward the virtual patient. Medical student participants tended to express more negative attitudes toward the White virtual patient than the Black virtual patient (both of whom had obesity) when genomic information was absent from the encounter. When genomic risk information was provided, this more often mitigated bias for the White virtual patient, whereas negative attitudes and bias against the Black virtual patient either remained consistent or increased. These patterns underscore the complexity of intersectional identities in clinical settings. Provision of genomic risk information was enough of a contextual shift to alter attitudes and behavior. This research leverages VR simulation to provide an early look at how emerging genomic technologies may differentially influence bias and stereotyping in clinical encounters.

Abstract B034: Understanding how family dynamics influence discussions about prostate cancer: A PEN-3 model analysis of shared risk communication within African American families

Abstract Background: Race and family history are important risk-stratifying variables for prostate cancer prevention and control. Despite their elevated risks for developing and dying from the disease, African-Americans are less knowledgeable about their shared familial risk than the general population. African American family structures are quite diverse. However, the manner in which this diversity influences the flow of shared risk information is largely absent from the literature. This study uses the PEN-3 cultural model to investigate how family dynamics influence prostate cancer information sharing within African American families. Method: Twenty-three members of ten families with African-American men completed semi-structured interviews in 2018 - 2019. Using a non-probability sampling scheme, nuclear, blended, extended, single-parent and cohabiting families were recruited to participate. The interview guide was structured to elicit information about participant's (a) family descriptions/family dynamics, (b) health communication patterns, (c) motivations for sharing health information, (d) health communication approaches, (e) handling of withheld information, and (f) generational communication strategies. All audio-recorded interviews were conducted by three African- American investigators and transcribed verbatim by a professional transcriptionist. All verbatim transcripts were entered into MAXQDA qualitative software for analysis using the PEN-3 model dimensions. Results: Cultural Identity - Personal/Extended: Families were more supportive of sharing sensitive health information with kinship group members who are viewed as close than distant. Neighborhood: The church family was sometimes viewed as an extension of the immediate family, particularly in situations where family members are geographically dispersed. Relationships and Expectations - Perceptions: Indirect communication is acceptable for relaying general information with young people, but direct communication is preferred for older adults. Cultural Empowerment - Negative: Withholding information to protect other's emotions can sometimes result in feelings of exclusion or mistrust when those being protected discover that information was withheld. Conclusion/Discussion: These findings highlight the complexity of family dynamics in communicating shared prostate cancer risk information within African American families. The generational divide in communication preferences suggests that strategies are needed to bridge that gap. Citation Format: Levi Ross, Michael A. Preston, Linda Collins, Florida Uzoaru, Torhonda C. Lee. Understanding how family dynamics influence discussions about prostate cancer: A PEN-3 model analysis of shared risk communication within African American families [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B034.

Physical health mindsets and information avoidance

Health mindsets refer to beliefs about the malleability (growth mindset) versus stability (fixed mindset) of physical health and have gained traction as a predictor of health beliefs and behaviors. Across two studies, we tested whether health mindsets were associated with avoiding personalized health risk information. In Study 2, we also tested whether conceptually-related constructs of internal and chance health locus of control, health self-efficacy, fatalism, and genetic determinism were associated with information avoidance. Health mindsets were manipulated in Study 1 (college students, n = 284; 79.58% female; Mage = 19.74) and measured in Study 2 (participants recruited through MTurk, n = 735; 42.04% female; Mage = 35.78). In both studies, participants viewed a prediabetes infographic and were informed they could learn their prediabetes risk by completing an online risk calculator. Behavioral obligation was also manipulated in both studies to test whether an additional behavioral requirement associated with learning one’s risk would exacerbate any negative impact of health mindsets on avoidance rates. All participants then indicated their interest in learning their prediabetes risk (avoidance intentions) and decided whether to complete the online risk calculator (avoidance behavior). In Study 1, there was no impact of health mindsets, behavioral obligation, or their interaction on avoidance intentions or behavior. Study 2 similarly did not provide consistent evidence for an association of health mindsets, behavioral obligation, or their interaction with avoidance intentions or behavior. However, in Study 2, internal health locus of control was consistently associated with both intentions and behavior. Health information avoidance may be a barrier to prevention and early detection of disease. To encourage individuals to learn potentially important health information, public health interventions might seek to increase people’s beliefs that their own actions play a role in their health outcomes. Interventions may also seek to increase people’s knowledge about and skills regarding improving their health outcomes, which may influence health locus of control beliefs.