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PubMed2005

The effect of experiential knowledge on construction of risk perception in hereditary breast/ovarian cancer.

The purpose of this study was to explore the connection between experiential knowledge of hereditary breast/ovarian cancer and understandings of personal cancer risk. Using a qualitative research design, the investigator conducted in-depth interviews with 53 individuals (45 female, 8 male) from families at high-risk for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer. Study results showed that two forms of experiential knowledge, empathetic and embodied knowledge, were integral to participants' constructions of their cancer risk. They also illustrated that knowledge derived from experience often took precedence over objective clinical estimates of risk. The paper discusses the clinical implications of these findings and suggests that counseling strategies, which expand upon patient's lived experience and knowledge of the disease, may enhance communication of genetic risk. Assessment of experiential knowledge promises to suggest new ways to frame genetic information that will enable people to better understand their objective risk or to modify exaggerated and/or inaccurate risk perceptions.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Community risk perception and waste management: a comparison of three communities.

Three cross-sectional surveys were conducted in different regions of British Columbia, using a model of risk perception that divides the community into attitudinal and behavioral subgroups based on awareness and concern about waste management facilities. The three communities differed with respect to their levels of both awareness and concern about facilities, either planned for or situated in their region. Surprisingly, the most polarized community, which had nevertheless accepted a facility, rated this facility as more desirable than the other two communities. The unconcerned group in this community felt well informed, was more trusting of siting and operating agencies, and believed that the facility would generate benefits. The concerned group in this community also felt better informed, was more trusting of siting and operating agencies, and believed that its facility would generate benefits, compared with concerned groups in the other two communities. Longitudinal studies of the attitudes driving the siting process are needed to understand how these relationships evolve over time.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Demographic influences on risk perceptions.

Over the past 15 years, psychologists have empirically investigated how people perceive technological, consumer, and natural hazards. The psychometric-attitudes to risk being summarized by three factors: "dread," whether the risk is known, and personal exposure to the risk. The results have been used to suggest that certain types of hazards are viewed very differently from other hazards. The purpose of this paper is somewhat different, in that it investigates whether individual demographic characteristics influence psychometric perceptions of risk. This paper makes use of a large, professionally conducted, survey of a wide cross-section of the residents of metropolitan Chicago. One thousand adults were interviewed in a random-digit dial telephone survey, producing a useable dataset of about 800. Data on the three risk factors mentioned above were obtained on 7-point scales for four common hazards: aviation accidents, fires in the home, automobile accidents, and stomach cancer. The survey also collected demographic data on respondents' age, schooling, income, sex, and race. Regressions were then conducted to relate the demographic characteristics to risk perceptions. Some strong general conclusions can be drawn. The results suggest that women, people with lower levels of schooling and income, younger people, and blacks have more dread of hazards. The exception being age-related illnesses which, not unnaturally, are feared by older people. Unlike previous literature, we cannot substantiate the argument that these groups of people are less informed about hazards and thus less accepting of them. The most likely leading explanation of the relationship between demographic factors and dread of a hazard is the perceived personal exposure to the hazard.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Accidents, Aviation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Risk perception and self-assessment of exposure to antineoplastic agents in a group of nurses and pharmacists].

Many antineoplastic drugs have shown to be carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic to humans and exposure and absorption have been showed to occur during the preparation and administration in health care practise. More recently, in many countries, national health authorities concern has been focused on promoting actions aimed to protect health of the personnel handling these drugs. The present study reports the results of a survey carried out through a questionnaire among the pharmacists and nurses working in the health care settings located in the province of Rome (Italy), with the aim to survey: occupational risk perception of health care workers; their confidence in the safety measures adopted in the work practice; their knowledge of risk factor and the kind of training received regarding these specific agents. Among the respondents, most of the pharmacists (80%) and nurses (90.4%) show a high concern about antineoplastic drugs dangerousness. At the same time, they state not to have a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding the risk factor and, also that their main information source on occupational risk connected to antineoplastic drugs exposure is not the health care structure, where they are employed. Besides, they do not show a high level of confidence in the safety measures adopted in the health care structures with the aim to protect workers' health. The study results suggest the necessity to promote the development of preventive actions aimed to minimise occupational exposure to these substances through the implementation of procedures and controls in the hospitals, as well as the use of work practice and protective equipment, reinforced by workers education and training.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Knowledge of malaria, risk perception, and compliance with prophylaxis and personal and environmental preventive measures in travelers exiting Zimbabwe from Harare and Victoria Falls International airport.

BACKGROUND: Travel associated malaria is a major health risk for visitors to malaria endemic destinations. To examine the knowledge of malaria prevention, risk perception, current prophylactic behavior, and compliance with chemoprophylaxis and personal and environmental protection measures we conducted a study in a cohort of travelers exiting Zimbabwe from two international airports during a peak malaria transmission period. METHODS: Data were collected by pretested self-administered questionnaires from 595 adults in the departure lounges of Harare and Victoria Falls International airports. Excluded were children and travelers from the African continent. A multilingual research assistant supervised data collection. RESULTS: The majority of travelers obtained health advice prior to travel. Patterns of protective behavior and compliance with prophylaxis were inconsistent with a high perception of malaria threat and good knowledge. About 23% of travelers failed to use chemoprophylaxis during their visit. In the group of travelers who used chemoprophylaxis, 18% were noncompliant. Fifteen drug combinations were in use. Full compliance with medication plus use of personal preventive measures always was estimated as 13%. Forgetfulness was the main cause of noncompliance, followed by deliberate omission due to side effects. Of 57 travelers who reported side effects from current medication, over half used mefloquine. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to examine how people process personal risk and communications about risk. We must recognize the competition between precautionary measures against malaria and other life demands that are imposed by travel, especially in young long stay travelers and persons visiting primarily for business purposes. Mediating a protective response will also depend on judgments about the effectiveness of the action, strengthening travelers intentions toward adherence, and increasing efficacy perception by individuals and their peers. Conflicts in prophylactic recommendations need to be resolved. As ecotourism develops in Zimbabwe and other malaria regions, stakeholders in this rapidly growing industry must be made aware of the important role they can play in protecting clients from malaria.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Bioterrorism risk perceptions and educational needs of public health professionals before and after September 11, 2001: a national needs assessment survey.

The study objectives were to compare local public health professionals' bioterrorism risk perceptions, the extent of bioterrorism preparedness training, and to describe preferred methods for delivery of preparedness education in the United States. National needs assessments were conducted via a mailed survey to 3,074 local public health departments in October 2000 and November 2001. Compared to a survey conducted in October 2000, the perceived risk of a bioterrorism attack in the United States increased dramatically after September 11 (p < 0.0001); however, 57% of respondents believed one was unlikely to occur within their own community. Public health professionals perceive their own communities to be at low risk for a bioterrorism event. Ongoing, updated, standardized bioterrorism preparedness education is needed.

Bioterrorism↗

PubMed2004

Risk perception and concern among brothers of men with prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: It is important for clinicians, researchers, and others who shape public health policy to understand the demographic correlates and psychologic factors that drive health behaviors, such as screening for early detection of cancer, particularly among individuals at high risk for developing the disease. METHODS: One-hundred eleven men whose brothers were diagnosed with prostate carcinoma completed a computer-assisted telephone interview aimed to assess their perception of absolute risk and concern about developing prostate carcinoma over the next 10 years and across their lifetime. Comparisons were made between selected demographic, behavioral, family pedigree characteristics, and measures of perceived risk and concern. RESULTS: The majority of men perceived their personal risk of developing prostate carcinoma to be > or =50%. Men who at the time of the interview were younger than their affected brother were significantly more concerned about prostate carcinoma and perceived their risk to be higher than men who were older than their brother. Estimates of personal risk and concern were also uniformly higher among men with more than one first-degree relative affected with prostate carcinoma compared to men with only one affected first-degree relative. Risk perception and concern about an impending prostate carcinoma diagnosis were associated with the use of supplements marketed for prostate health. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that birth order in relation to a brother diagnosed with prostate carcinoma is significantly associated with risk perception and concern in unaffected family members. These results highlight the need for further study of the familial dynamics and characteristics that drive health behaviors and stress importance of public health education to inform men of personal risk assessment as well as the risks and benefits of screening. These studies ultimately can contribute to the success of strategies for the primary prevention and early detection of cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Fishing, consumption, and risk perception in fisherfolk along an east coast estuary.

Increasingly public and governmental agencies are concerned about the safety of fish and shellfish that recreational fishermen consume. Fishing behavior, consumption patterns, and risk perceptions were examined for people flashing and crabbing in Barnegat Bay, NJ. Women fished in significantly larger groups than men, and their groups included more children. Subjects fished an average of seven times per month and crabbed three times per month; they caught fish on most outings, and 80% ate their catch. Subjects consumed fish an average of five times a month, eating just under 10 oz (ca. 280 g) per meal. Only 25% of the fish consumed by women, and 49% of the fish consumed by men, are self-caught. Nearly 90% of the people believe the fish and crabs from Barnegat Bay are safe to eat, although about 40% have heard some warnings about their safety. Most people heard about advisories from newspapers or television. Most subjects believe that saltwater fish are safer than freshwater fish and that fish they catch themselves or buy in a bay store are safer than those from a supermarket. People generally do not have a clear understanding of the relationship between contaminants and fish size or trophic level, suggesting an avenue for risk reduction.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Reviving informed consent: using risk perception in clinical trials.

The current doctrine of informed consent falls far short of its potential to serve as a valuable safeguard for human research subjects. Instead of providing a channel of communication between physician and subject, informed consent is a lifeless entity responsible for a large portion of the misunderstanding existing between these parties. Acknowledging risk perception principles may help transform the informed consent process into an effective communication of health risks.

Choice Behavior↗

PubMed2005

Sexual orientation, use of drugs and risk perception among HIV-positive men in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The aim of this cross-sectional study, carried out among 250 HIV-positive (HIV+) men who have sex with women, was to describe their risk perception before learning of their HIV+ status and their sexual and drug use behaviour. Of the 250 men, 62.0% were heterosexuals and 38.0% where bisexuals. They most often reported becoming infected through unprotected sex (24.5%) and injecting drug use (11.0%). They were usually tested because they became ill (42.2%). Condom use with women in all episodes of sexual intercourse before HIV+ diagnosis was reported by 22.6% of heterosexuals and 34.7% of bisexuals (P < 0.05). With respect to drug use, 58.0% reported the use of drugs at some period in their lifetime. A higher proportion of individuals who had used drugs perceived themselves at risk (P < 0.05). Findings showed that most HIV+ men who have sex with women, regardless of sexual orientation or injecting drug use, did not use condoms and did not perceive themselves at risk before learning of their HIV+ status, and only undergo testing due to illness. The implications for heterosexual transmission of HIV are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Attitudes and risk perceptions of stakeholders in a nuclear waste siting issue.

Stakeholders are often regarded as a critically important group in such issues as the siting of nuclear facilities. In this article, stakeholders were identified on the basis of self-reported activities with regard to a nuclear waste siting issue under debate in four communities. Data were obtained in an extensive mailed survey from a total of 2,548 respondents, approximately an equal number from each community. The overall response rate was 43.9%. Some of the results and telephone interviews with a sample of the nonrespondents indicated that the data are reasonably representative of the respective populations. Stakeholder activities were measured by 20 questions and combined with an index of stakeholder activity level, dichotomized at the 90th percentile. Stakeholders were found to have a higher level of education than others, but otherwise they did not differ in demographics. They did not tend to see risks in general as high, but were quite interested and involved in the nuclear waste siting issue. The stakeholder activity level correlated with risk perception and attitudes in the waste siting issue, but with different signs for those who were for and those who were opposed: stakeholders of both types had more extreme views than others, but in different directions. In addition, stakeholder opponents were much more likely to strongly espouse extreme statements regarding the project than were supporters who also were stakeholders. Implications for risk management and communication are discussed.

Attitude↗

PubMed2003

Risk target: an interactive context factor in risk perception.

The effect of specification of the target on risk evaluation was examined. A whole set of hazards, covering most of the domains, were considered: common individual hazards, outdoor activities, medical care, public transportation, energy production, pollutants, sex, deviance, and addictions. Three human targets were introduced: personal health risk (including personal risk of death), health risk for people in the country, and health risk for people in the world. The basic design was a between-subjects design. The first hypothesis was that risk judgments made in the "world" condition should be higher than risk judgments made in the "country" condition, and risk judgments made in this condition should be higher than risk judgments made in the "personal" condition. This is what was observed. The second hypothesis was that the target effect should differ as a function of the kind of hazards considered. This also is what was observed. In two domains--pollutants, and deviance, sex, and addictions--the target effect was important. It corresponded to about one-tenth of the response scale. In the four remaining domains, the target effect was unimportant or absent.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Risk perception, screening practice and interest in genetic testing among unaffected men in families with hereditary prostate cancer.

Approximately 5-10% of prostate cancer cases are caused by dominantly inherited susceptibility to the disease. Although advances have been made in research concerning the genetic mechanisms of hereditary prostate cancer, little is known about the psychological consequences for men at high risk of developing the disease. The aims of the present study were to examine risk perception, interest in genetic investigations, cancer-specific worry, and screening practice among unaffected men, aged 40-72 years old, with a pedigree consistent with hereditary prostate cancer and an estimated lifetime risk of prostate cancer of 35-45%. A questionnaire was sent by mail to 120 subjects, of whom 110 responded. Most of the men (n = 90, 82%) worried about having an inherited susceptibility to prostate cancer, and 34 (31%) claimed that worry about prostate cancer affected their daily life (3 (3%) fairly much, 31 (28%) slightly). As many as 40% of the study subjects perceived their lifetime risk of prostate cancer as 67% or more. Perceived high risk was associated with symptoms of depression and with cancer worry affecting daily living. Two-thirds of the men aged 50 years old or more were regularly screened for prostate cancer. Subjects with high levels of cancer-specific stress, as measured by the avoidance subscale of the Impact of Event Scale, were less likely to opt for screening. Almost all of the men (94%) were interested in presymptomatic genetic testing (84 (76%) "definitely yes" and 20 (18%) "probably yes"). We conclude that hereditary susceptibility to prostate cancer has significant psychological consequences although it rarely causes psychiatric morbidity. The present study underlines the importance of giving thorough, repeated information to men at high risk of prostate cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Pesticide knowledge and risk perception among adolescent Latino farmworkers.

A substantial proportion of the agricultural production in the U.S. is dependent on the labor of Latino farmworkers. While exact figures are not known, it is estimated that adolescents make up 7% of this valuable workforce. These young workers may be at increased risk for the toxic effects of environmental exposures encountered during their work. Furthermore, language barriers and health beliefs may influence the risk perceptions of this population. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of migrant adolescent farmworkers in 1998 to investigate their work practices, health beliefs, and pesticide knowledge. The large majority of the adolescents in our sample were from Mexico, and 36.3% spoke primarily indigenous languages. Many of the adolescents (64.7%) were traveling and working in the U.S. independent of their parents. Few of the adolescents reported having received pesticide training; however, 21.6% of the sample reported that their current work involved mixing and/or applying agricultural chemicals. The scores on the pesticide knowledge questionnaire were found to significantly predict self-reported use of protection for adolescent farmworkers. The results of this study point to a need for improved pesticide training in youth agricultural workers and specialized education efforts directed toward minorities who speak indigenous dialects. Special attention is merited toward adolescent farmworkers who report that their work includes mixing or applying agricultural chemicals. As the number of adolescent farmworkers increases in the U.S. and the characteristics of the migrant stream continue to change, culturally and developmentally appropriate instruments are needed to adequately assess the health beliefs and protective practices of this population.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Not in our back yard: media coverage of community opposition to mobile phone towers--an application of Sandman's outrage model of risk perception.

Australia has the world's second highest per capita use of mobile phones. To meet rapid expansion in use, transmission towers are being erected hastily, backed by federal government exemptions from normal local government planning procedures. In a case study of media reportage of a successful resident protest about the placement of transmitters adjacent to a kindergarten, uncertain risks to health were the ostensible concerns voiced by the protesters. Eleven of the 12 primary components and six out of eight secondary components of Sandman's model of community risk perception were consistent with both the protesters' expressed concerns about the transmission towers and the way in which the issues involved were framed by the media.

Attitude↗

PubMed2005

Risk perception and impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) on work and personal lives of healthcare workers in Singapore: what can we learn?

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at the frontline during the battle against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Understanding their fears and anxieties may hold lessons for handling future outbreaks, including acts of bioterrorism. METHOD: We measured risk perception and impact on personal and work life of 15,025 HCWs from 9 major healthcare institutions during the SARS epidemic in Singapore using a self-administered questionnaire and Impact of Events Scale and analyzed the results with bivariate and multivariate statistics. RESULTS: From 10,511 valid questionnaires (70% response), we found that although the majority (76%) perceived a great personal risk of falling ill with SARS, they (69.5%) also accepted the risk as part of their job. Clinical staff (doctors and nurses), staff in daily contact with SARS patients, and staff from SARS-affected institutions expressed significantly higher levels of anxiety. More than half reported increased work stress (56%) and work load (53%). Many experienced social stigmatization (49%) and ostracism by family members (31%), but most (77%) felt appreciated by society. Most felt that the personal protective measures implemented were effective (96%) and that the institutional policies and protocols were clear (93%) and timely (90%). CONCLUSION: During epidemics, healthcare institutions have a duty to protect HCWs and help them cope with their personal fears and the very stressful work situation. Singapore's experience shows that simple protective measures based on sound epidemiological principles, when implemented in a timely manner, go a long way to reassure HCWs.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Body-building, steroid use, and risk perception among young body-builders from a low-income neighborhood in the city of Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil].

Recent studies in different countries have shown an increase in anabolic steroid consumption among young people and the harm caused by indiscriminate use. In Brazil, research on steroid abuse is scarce. The present study examines the risk perception of health problems associated with anabolic steroid consumption among young working-class adults engaged in body-building practices in a poor neighborhood in the city of Salvador, Bahia. The methodology involved an anthropological approach based on qualitative research techniques consisting of ethnography, in-depth interviews, and a focus group with steroid users. The data describe the most common substances consumed and highlight the lack of information among interviewees concerning potential related health hazards, showing that for many steroid consumers the quest for muscle-mass development to achieve an idealized body supersedes the risk of harmful side effects. The results indicate the need for culturally sensitive measures to prevent steroid abuse among youth.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Differences in altruistic roles and HIV risk perception among staff, peer educators, and students in an adolescent peer education program.

This qualitative study examines how adolescent peer educators understand and communicate HIV prevention messages. Semistructured ethnographic interviews were conducted with 21 program participants, including staff, peer educators, and students. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using concept analysis, a method for identifying shared concepts among interview subjects. We found (a) similar beliefs about HIV transmission and risk reduction across groups; (b) different, but strong, altruistic roles among staff and peer educators; and (c) differences in HIV risk perception across the three groups. Altruistic roles took two forms. Staff acted as life skills mentors, whereas peer educators acted as HIV educators. Students were more passive, receiving counseling but not passing it on to others. Staff contextualized HIV risk, whereas peer educators and students emphasized risk. Although similar HIV knowledge across groups suggests program efficacy, stronger altruistic roles or contextualization of HIV risk may affect how prevention messages are delivered.

Adolescent↗