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PubMed2004

Expert and public perception of risk from biotechnology.

Risk perceptions of a series of biotechnology applications were examined in a public (nonexpert) sample and an expert sample. Compared with the experts, the public perceived all biotechnology applications as more risky. Both groups perceived food-related applications to be riskier than medical applications. Compared with the public, experts perceived both food and medical applications as less harmful and more useful. Experts also judged the risks posed from medical biotechnology applications as more familiar and acknowledged by people and science. Lay estimates of the risk of food applications were predicted by potential harm, potential benefits, science knowledge, and familiarity; experts' estimates were predicted only by harm and benefits. Lay estimates of the risk of medical applications were predicted by potential harm; experts' estimates were predicted by potential benefits, number and type of people exposed, and science knowledge. We discuss the implications of the results for risk communication about and management of different types of biotechnologies.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Perceptions of risk factors for breast cancer and attitudes toward mammography among women who are current, ex- and non-smokers.

Understanding risk perceptions for breast cancer among women smokers is important because smokers tend to underutilize breast cancer screening. Perceptions of the relative importance of a variety of factors which may increase breast cancer risk and the benefits/barriers of mammography, were examined among women who were current (n = 185), ex- (n = 632) and never (n = 623) smokers. Participants were a subset of women taking part in a project to increase mammography utilization among women aged 50 and over. Current smokers, but not ex-smokers, were significantly less likely than never smokers to agree that health risk behaviors most frequently seen in smokers (e.g., smoking cigarettes, high-fat diet, low intake of fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, drinking alcohol) may increase risk for breast cancer. Current smokers, but not ex-smokers, perceived more barriers and fewer benefits of mammography, than never smokers.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Consumer perception of risk associated with eating genetically engineered soybeans is less in the presence of a perceived consumer benefit.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether perceived benefit alters personal risk perception associated with eating genetically engineered soybeans, consumer desire for labeling, preferred phrase on a label symbol, and desired information in an educational brochure. DESIGN: Comparison of responses of two consumer groups who completed one of two survey versions. SUBJECTS/SETTINGS: One hundred fifty supermarket shoppers, age 21 years and older, for each survey or n=300 total. Focus groups and a pilot test were used to develop the final survey in which consumers read a description of a genetically engineered soybean with either no obvious consumer benefit or an obvious consumer benefit and then completed a set of attitude questions and evaluated a voluntary label design and educational brochure content. Main outcome measures were mean opinion scores of personal risk and desire for labeling and ranking of desired label phrase and brochure topics. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi;(2) and t Tests were used. RESULTS: Consumers reading about the soybean with obvious consumer benefit were significantly more comfortable eating these than those reading about the soybean with no obvious consumer benefit (2.9+/-1.1 vs 3.4+/-1.0, respectively; P</=.001). However, the groups did not differ in desire for labeling of foods made with these soybeans or preferred brochure content. They did differ significantly in preferred phrase on the symbol (P</=.05). APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: Dietitians can use descriptions of genetic engineering applications such as those in this study to help consumers assess these applications. Dietitians can play a critical role in explaining labeling terms and designing educational materials when the FDA finalizes voluntary labeling regulations for genetically engineered foods.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Perception of risk.

Studies of risk perception examine the judgements people make when they are asked to characterize and evaluate hazardous activities and technologies. This research aims to aid risk analysis and policy-making by providing a basis for understanding and anticipating public responses to hazards and improving the communication of risk information among lay people, technical experts, and decision-makers. This work assumes that those who promote and regulate health and safety need to understand how people think about and respond to risk. Without such understanding, well-intended policies may be ineffective.

Accidents↗
PubMed1990

Perceptions of risk, dilemmas of policy: nuclear fallout in Swedish Lapland.

This paper concerns risk perceptions of Swedish Saami reindeer herders in conjunction with the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Focus is also placed upon their experiences of damage and their efforts to deal with these problems. Data relating to these social aspects of the Chernobyl event come from interviews with members of Saami herding families. The initial governmental policy of establishing a simple contamination limit for the marketability of all foodstuffs was beset with shortcomings. I propose that all contaminated foods should be labeled with contamination specifications along a fully graded scale. In addition, there should be consumer education and recommendations for the entire population, not just one segment. An absolutely necessary step in the construction of valid policies is the health calibration of low-dose radiation. Without such knowledge, any marketability limit is suspect. With such knowledge, policy can be firmly based on human health.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed1997

Injection drug use in Calcutta: a potential focus for an explosive HIV epidemic.

Our objective was to assess HIV risk perceptions, risk behaviours and factors that may facilitate an increase in injection drug use in Calcutta. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with a selected group of drug users to delineate drug use patterns, languages used to express addictive and related experiences and acceptance of harm minimization messages. Results from these were used to develop a semi-structured interview instrument which was used to interview 111 drug users (76 IDUs and 35 non-IDUs) recruited from jails and detoxification centres. Secondary data of narcotic seizures for the last 5 years were collected from the Calcutta police department. Data on percentage of IDUs admitted to large detox facility in the city was also collected. Findings show that HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk perceptions were low; sharing of injection equipment was reported by 66% of the injectors; and condom use was insignificant. Non-availability, rising cost and increasing tolerance to heroin were cited as factors contributing to switch to injection. Ecological association was found between intensified police activity and an increase in: the amount of smokable heroin seized; increased injection of buprenorphine; and admission to detoxification centres. In addition to HIV, IDUs were also found to be prone to hepatitis B and C. The findings suggest an urgent need for developing and implementing community-based HIV prevention interventions targeting drug users in Calcutta.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The perception of teratogenic risk by women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

This study determined the advice reported to be received by women suffering from nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) from their caregivers regarding management, the teratogenic risk perception of these women and their choice of antiemetic drug use in pregnancy. A secondary objective was to determine prospectively the effect of counseling on malformation risk perception in women with NVP. The women were prospectively followed-up and questioned about the use of pharmacotherapy or other management choices as well as their perception of teratogenic risk through structured telephone interviews. The results showed that at the initial call, around 6 weeks of gestation, over three quarters of the 260 participants reported that therapy of NVP increased their teratogenic risk. This risk perception was decreased significantly after counseling. Women who reported their physicians' advice to change their diet and/or lifestyle attributed an increased risk for major malformations with antiemetics for NVP (P = 0.001), whereas women who reported advice to take antiemetic medications known to be safe to the fetus attributed no change in risk for major malformations with drugs for NVP (P = 0.002). We came to the conclusion that women are commonly hesitant to treat NVP pharmacologically due to unfounded fears of teratogenic risk. Evidenced-based counseling resulted in reduced numbers of women who considered drug therapy for NVP to increase the risk of major malformations.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed2000

Perception of traffic accident risk and decision to drive under light alcohol consumption--a double-blind experimental study.

PURPOSE: Public traffic safety campaigns in Germany have focussed on the changing risk perception of young drivers. While there is some consensus that perceptions of risk affect driving, less is understood about the relationship and interaction of alcohol consumption and risk perception on the decision to drive. We examined the influence of light alcohol consumption on risk perception and decision to drive, and the interaction of alcohol consumption and cognitive feedback on the handicapping effect of alcohol on risk perception and decision to drive. METHOD: In a double-blind block-randomized experimental study of 104 young drivers between 19 and 24 years of age, with two experimentally manipulated independent factors of alcohol consumption (three levels: 0% BAC, 0.015% BAC, 0.03% BAC) and feedback (positive or negative), we assessed three dependent variables: perception of traffic accident risk, subjective judgement about driving-relevant cognitive performance, decision to drive a car. Analyses of variance and covariance were used to analyze differences between levels of experimental factors. RESULTS: We found that persons with 0.015 BAC performed better than persons in both other alcohol conditions on the standardized risk perception task. Perceived handicap of driving was significantly more pronounced for negative feedback compared to positive feedback with no influence of the level of alcohol consumption. No significant influence on decision to drive was found of either level of alcohol consumption, feedback or sex. IMPLICATIONS: Decision to drive in young drivers could not be influenced by feedback or light consumption. Public health approaches have to find better determining factors.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2000

Factors that influence personal perceptions of the risk of an acute myocardial infarction.

Personal risk perceptions of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) affect people's preventive health behaviors as well as their beliefs during a heart attack episode. The authors investigated factors that are associated with personal risk perceptions of having an AMI. A random-digit-dial survey was conducted among 1294 respondents, aged 18 years or older, in 20 communities across the nation as part of the Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment (REACT) trial. Results of two mixed-model linear regression analyses suggested that worse perceived general health, more risk factors, and greater knowledge were associated with greater perception of AMI risk. The results also showed that women who answered, incorrectly, that heart disease is not the most common cause of death for women in the United States reported significantly lower risk perceptions than women who answered this question correctly. The findings in this study suggest that interventions need to target specific misconceptions regarding AMI risk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Genetics and alcoholism among at-risk relatives I: perceptions of cause, risk, and control.

Genetic factors influence a person's risk for developing alcoholism. In other common disorders with a genetic component, a belief in a genetic cause can lead to less perceived control or fatalism among those at risk that may adversely affect undertaking health-promoting behaviors. This study explores beliefs about the cause of alcoholism and risk perception among individuals with affected relatives. In-depth interviews including both open-ended questions and several quantitative measures were conducted with participants to explore the relationships between causal beliefs and perceptions of personal risk and control. Twenty-seven individuals with at least one first-degree relative affected with alcoholism participated. Transcript analysis of interviews revealed that all participants attribute multiple factors to the cause of alcoholism in their families, often as a combination of biological, genetic, environmental factors, and personal characteristics. Many perceived themselves as being 'at-risk,' and this concern often stemmed from a belief in a genetic or biological cause of alcoholism. However, participants also had a strong sense of personal control, rooted in beliefs about environmental causes or personal characteristics influencing alcoholism risk. A participant's strong belief in a genetic cause was associated with a significantly increased risk perception, but not a fatalistic outlook towards developing alcoholism.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Perceptions of lifetime risk and actual risk for acquiring HIV among young men who have sex with men.

Among young men who have sex with men (MSM) surveyed in six US cities, we evaluated the magnitude and correlates of perceived lifetime risk for acquiring HIV, and missed opportunities to increase risk perception by providers of health-care and HIV-testing services. Overall, approximately one quarter of young MSM perceived themselves at moderate/high risk for acquiring HIV. Adjusting for demographic, prior testing, and behavioral characteristics, moderate/high perceived risk had the strongest association with unrecognized HIV infection. However, half of the 267 young MSM with unrecognized infection perceived themselves at low lifetime risk for acquiring HIV, and many young MSM with low-risk perception reported considerable risk behaviors. Providers of health-care and HIV-testing services missed opportunities to assess risks and recommend testing for young MSM. To increase HIV testing, prevention providers should intensify efforts to assess, and to increase when needed, perceptions of lifetime risks for acquiring HIV among young MSM.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Risk behavior, perceptions of HIV risk, and risk-reduction behavior among a small group of rural African American women who use drugs.

HIV/AIDS is a health crisis for African Americans. African American women are exposed to HIV primarily through sexual behavior, which is an increased risk for women who use drugs. The study design was a mixed method consisting of an ethnography with ongoing participant observation and in-depth interviews and a questionnaire. The purpose of the questionnaire component was to explore drug use, sexual behavior, health history, and perceptions. The questionnaire was administered at months 6 and 18. Data for this report were derived from the first questionnaire with 30 respondents. The majority of respondents (82.7%) used polysubstances consisting of cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol. Between 33% and 50% exchanged sex for drugs or money, with less than half ever using condoms. About 37% perceived that they had no risk of acquiring HIV, whereas 52% perceived a 25% chance. The pattern of HIV testing in which 33% of the women were tested 10 times or more was unexpected because of the low perception of risk. The principal conclusion was that there is great need to intervene with prevention efforts targeting rural women who use drugs in an attempt to curb increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections including HIV.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Perception on AIDS infection risk and condom use among 2785 college students having had sexual experience in Zhejiang province].

OBJECTIVE: To study the HIV infection risk perception, sexual behavior and condom use among college students who had sexual experiences. METHODS: Using data generated from a survey on AIDS related knowledge and risk perception and sexual behavior (conducted in a coast city of Zhejiang province in 2003), with a questionnaire involving self-reporting history of sexual experience. Software SPSS 12.0 for windows was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 47.0 percent of the 2785 students having had sexual experience did not feel that sexual experience was related to HIV risk while 51.3 percent them considered their sexual behavior was at much low risk. 80.5 percent of the students with sexual experience had ever used condoms, but only 16.0 percent used it consistently. There was no association between risk perception and condom use, but there was association between risk perception and intention for condom use. CONCLUSION: The college students having had sexual experience had low level of risk perception on HIV infection and had a high rate of ever condom use but low in consistent use. Extensive and detailed prevention intervention was needed to improve the safe sexual behaviors.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1993

[Perception of reproductive risk factors].

The objective of this study was to identify risk perception on several factors related to reproductive health, with the goal of implementing an educational intervention based on detected needs. 405 women between 12 and 44 years were interviewed at home. 62.2% perceived the risk of pregnancy at 17 years and younger; 78.8% the risk of pregnancy at 35 years and older; 76.6% the risk of parity of 5 and higher; and 55.1% the risk of birth interval of 2 years and less. 60.5% recognized family history of birth defects, 80.2% age 35 years and older, and 84.4% rubella during pregnancy, as risk factors for newborns with congenital malformations. 27.7% identified history of a low birth weight and 61.0% birth interval of 1 year and less, as risk factors for low birth weight. The majority perceived the risk of tobacco, alcohol and drugs consumption during pregnancy, diseases with no treatment and deficient nutrition. There was an inconsistent influence of social and obstetric variables on risk perception. No linear correlation was detected. Health educators should recognize differences on knowledge and behavior of future receptors before an educational intervention starts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Unrecognized HIV infection, risk behaviors, and perceptions of risk among young men who have sex with men: opportunities for advancing HIV prevention in the third decade of HIV/AIDS.

This study evaluated the magnitude and distribution of unrecognized HIV infection among young men who have sex with men (MSM) and of those with unrecognized infection, the prevalence and correlates of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), perceived low risk for infection, and delayed HIV testing. MSM aged 15-29 years were approached, interviewed, counseled, and tested for HIV at 263 randomly sampled venues in 6 US cities from 1994-2000. Of 5649 MSM participants, 573 (10%) tested positive for HIV. Of these, 91% of black, 69% of Hispanic, and 60% of white MSM (77% overall) were unaware of their infection. The 439 MSM with unrecognized infection reported a total of 2253 male sex partners in the previous 6 months; 51% had UAI; 59% perceived that they were at low risk for being infected; and 55% had not tested in the previous year. The HIV epidemic among MSM in the United States continues unabated, in part, because many young HIV-infected MSM are unaware of their infection and unknowingly expose their partners to HIV. To advance HIV prevention in the third decade of HIV/AIDS, prevention programs must reduce unrecognized infection among young MSM by increasing the demand for and availability of HIV testing services.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2002

Unrecognized HIV infection, risk behaviors, and perceptions of risk among young black men who have sex with men--six U.S. cities, 1994-1998.

The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among young black men who have sex with men (BMSM) is among the highest of all risk groups in the United States. Two important strategies to reduce HIV transmission among young BMSM are to increase the proportion of men who are aware of their HIV infection and to increase the consistent use of condoms among sexually active men. However, limited information is available to help develop HIV-testing and condom-promotion programs for young BMSM. To address this need, data from CDC's Young Men's Survey (YMS) were used to evaluate the prevalence of unrecognized HIV infection, barriers to testing, and reasons for nonuse of condoms among BMSM aged 15-22 years. This report summarizes the results of the survey, which indicated that of the 16% of young BMSM participants who were infected with HIV, nearly all were unaware of their infection. Few young BMSM reported testing frequently for HIV, and many reported engaging in behaviors that could transmit HIV because they perceived themselves or their partners to be at low risk for infection. These findings underscore the urgency of expanding and improving prevention efforts for young BMSM by increasing the demand for and availability of HIV-testing services and by providing high-quality prevention counseling that includes assessment and clarification of perceived risks for infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Knowledge of AIDS transmission, risk behavior, and perceptions of risk among urban, low-income, African-American and Hispanic youth.

Low-income, urban, African-American and Hispanic youth have been identified as a group that may be at risk for the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This article evaluates general knowledge of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), knowledge of routes of sexual transmission of HIV, risk behaviors related to sex, and perceived susceptibility to AIDS of urban low-income youth in Detroit. We drew data from a household probability sample of 1,435 of these Detroit youth. The data indicate that, with a few exceptions, general knowledge of AIDS and routes of sexual HIV transmission was good; there were small ethnic and gender differences in knowledge. However, we found substantial ethnic and gender differences in risk behaviors. Young African-American men reported the earliest initiation of sexual activity and the most partners. Young Hispanic women reported the latest initiation of sexual activity and the fewest partners. A substantial minority of the youth were concerned about becoming infected with HIV, and these concerns were related to risk behavior. We demonstrate from these data a need for interventions in this population to correct misconceptions and to promote use of condoms and other safer sexual behaviors.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗