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PubMed2006

[Risk perception related to work in a rural community of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil: pesticides, health, and environment].

The present study applies the risk perception analytical methodology based on rapid surveys. It took place in the micro-basin of the São Lourenço Creek in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The methodological approach was based on participatory observation, semi-structured interviews with 24 key informants selected among local farmers (N = 120), and evaluation of local work processes. Field data analysis revealed some issues related to the risk perception profile in the study population, including the development of defensive strategies to deal with work hazards, the importance of communication in developing workers' risk perceptions, the subjective responses to potentially hazardous situations, and the role of individual risk perception as a determinant of human exposure to pesticides. The results evoked the importance of systematically incorporating risk perception analyses into intervention strategies, especially in educational risk communication campaigns.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Risk perception and psychological strain in women with a family history of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The thinking in health psychology is that patients' willingness to adopt preventive health behavior is contingent on their perceiving an increased risk of disease and is influenced by accompanying psychological stress. In counseling women with a family history of breast cancer, physicians focus on encouraging the patient to undergo early detection examinations as recommended. Therefore, it is essential to examine how women in this risk group perceive their own chances of developing breast cancer and to assess the psychological effects of their situation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 129 women with at least one first or second degree relative who had developed breast cancer were enrolled in a questionnaire study. The object was to ascertain the extent to which these women may be expected to realistically estimate their own probability of contracting the disease and what influence risk perception and psychological strain have on their willingness to make use of diagnostic opportunities for early detection. Additionally, the effects on their physical and mental well-being were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the women of the study group, a family history of breast cancer did not always correlate with the subject's perception of an increased risk of contracting the disease compared. On the whole, the majority of the women overestimated their personal risk despite prior genetic counseling. Only slightly less than one quarter of the study group correctly estimated their risk; another quarter underestimated it. The majority of those women who exhibited an increased risk perception were also those who overestimated their probability of personally contracting the disease. They underwent recommended screening examinations significantly less often than women with a low risk perception. However, women subjected to intense psychological strain showed above-average participation in screening programs. CONCLUSIONS: Women with a family history of breast cancer often find it difficult to realistically estimate their own risk of contracting the disease. Increased risk perception had a negative effect on participation in recommended breast cancer screening. Therefore, an effort should be made to correct the patient's overestimation of her personal risk. Integrating psychological counseling in screening programs is essential considering that women from high-risk groups are subjected to increased psychological strain. Further studies are required to more precisely evaluate other psychosocial factors in the behavior of women in risk group toward screening.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Breast cancer risk perception: what do we know and understand?

Women's perceptions of breast cancer risk are largely inaccurate and are often associated with high levels of anxiety about cancer. There are interesting cultural differences that are not well researched. Genetic risk counselling significantly improves accuracy of women's perceptions of risk, but not necessarily to the correct level. Reasons for this are unclear, but may relate to personal beliefs about susceptibility and to problems or variations in risk communication. Research into the impact of demographic and psychological factors on risk perception has been inconclusive. An understanding of the process of developing a perception of risk would help to inform risk counselling strategies. This is important, because knowledge of risk is needed both for appropriate health care decision making and to reassure women who are not at increased risk.

Anxiety↗

PubMed2001

Cigar risk perceptions in focus groups of urban African American youth.

PURPOSE: To explore cigar use perceptions among urban African American youth. METHODS: A convenience sample (n = 50) of African American volunteer participants, ages 14- 18, participated in six audiotaped focus groups conducted in two California cities. Transcriptions were analyzed using iterative strategies. RESULTS: Most youth believed cigars were harmful to health, yet a disjuncture existed between this abstract belief and the socially embedded understandings revealed in discussions. Some youth felt that cigars were more "natural" and therefore less harmful than cigarettes. For some, that understanding rested on a mistaken assumption that nicotine was an artificial additive not present in cigars. Youth had received little cigar-specific health education. They reported that cigars were easily obtained, noted cigars' social cachet, and drew attention to new brands targeting youth. IMPLICATIONS: Perceptions of risk are not merely interesting "subjective" findings but are important determinants of actual use patterns and may not correlate with abstract beliefs. Recent cigarette brand repositionings, such as Winston's "no additives" campaign, have widely publicized the many substances added to cigarettes. Some youth may take lack of cigar-specific preventive education as an indication that cigars do not contain such substances, including nicotine. Misperceptions about risks of cigar and cigar/marijuana smoking must be addressed through consistent, coordinated, and comprehensive tobacco control efforts for all tobacco products.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Risk perception related to depletion of the ozone layer and UV-B radiation in the arctic.

Increase in UV-B radiation, due to stratospheric ozone depletion, is an environmental threat to arctic ecosystems and the health of their inhabitants. The aims of this longitudinal study are to provide basic population risk perception data related to UV-B and ozone depletion, and to compare the UV-B risk perception over time and with risk perception related to other objects and occurrences. A survey questionnaire, calling for a total of 118 judgments, measures risk perception, worries, and anticipated consequences. In the 1996 study, 143 persons completed the questionnaire, 34 of whom belong to the indigenous Sami population. Risk perception and the possibility of protecting oneself against 13 risks were measured on 7-point scales. The mean risk rating for depletion of the ozone layer and UV-B radiation was moderate to high. The possibility of protection was rated relatively low. Women, the youngest, and respondents in the North were most worried and perceived the highest risks. The Sami respondents are less worried and perceive a lower risk, a realistic short-term evaluation due to their protection by pigment in the skin and their clothing habits.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Effects of message and personal involvement on risk perception and acceptance].

The present study analyzed people's risk perception regarding driving a car with studded or non-studded winter tires. Subjects were 252 residents of Sapporo, where a recent municipal ordinance prohibited studded tires, allowing only non-studded ones. Questionnaire data were examined concerning (1) the relationship between risk perception and its acceptance, (2) the effect of an inserted message, which was either positive or negative about the use of non-studded tires, and (3) the role of personal involvement, assessed with Personal Involvement Inventory (Zaichkowsky, 1985), regarding winter driving. Results were as follows: (1) The use of non-studded tires was favorably judged because of social benefit, but subjects hesitated to choose them because of a higher perceived possibility of an accident. (2) The inserted message had significant effects on benefit evaluation and perceived accident possibility. The effects were weaker for drivers who had experienced driving a car with studded tires. And (3) personal involvement had a weak correlation with risk judgements of the present study.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Tailored computer-based cancer risk communication: correcting colorectal cancer risk perception.

We developed a computer-based tailored risk presentation and risk communication aid for colorectal cancer prevention. To evaluate the effectiveness of the tool, we randomized 353 participants to receive different risk presentation formats (relative plus absolute risk vs. absolute risk only vs. none) and different levels of engagement with the risk communication (active vs. passive). Findings suggest the tool to be useful for correcting misperceptions about personal risk. Of those with inaccurate risk perception at baseline, more than half of the participants in intervention groups had corrected risk perceptions at post-test, compared to only 12% in the control group.

Adult↗

PubMed1985

Powerline frequency electric and magnetic fields: a pilot study of risk perception.

The perception of the potential risk arising from human exposure to 50/60 Hz electric and magnetic fields was studied with a quasi-random sample of 116 well-educated, opinion leaders using the risk perception framework previously developed by Slovic, Fischhoff, and Lichtenstein. These individuals rated exposure to fields from transmission lines and electric blankets on a variety of scales that have been found useful in characterizing people's risk attitudes and perceptions. These judgments allowed us to conjecture about the likely desire for regulation of these potential hazards and the likely response to a publicized problem (e.g., an accident or ominous research finding) involving these two sources of exposure. Various forms of detailed information about 50/60 Hz fields were supplied to respondents. The provision of information produced modest, but statistically significant, changes in perceptions in the direction of greater concern about the risks. In response to questions of public policy, participants desired modest regulatory control of field exposure from transmission lines and little or no control of field exposure from appliances like electric blankets.

Electric Injuries↗

PubMed1998

Methodological approaches to assessing risk perceptions associated with food-related hazards.

The psychometric approach developed by Slovic and his co-workers has been effectively used to assess risk perceptions associated with different food-related hazards. However, further examination (using questionnaire data and partial correlation techniques) has indicated that technological hazards are highly differentiated from lifestyle hazards, in terms of both hazard control and knowledge about the hazard. Optimistic bias was also seen to vary between hazards. Further research has focused on a particular hazard, genetic engineering. Risk perceptions associated with genetic engineering are underpinned by ethical concern and questions relating to perceived need for the technology, as well as perceptions of risk or harm. However, increasing the specificity of hazard stimuli was found to alter the factor structure of underlying risk perceptions. The utility of preference mapping procedures in determining individual differences in trust in risk regulators is also discussed.

Bias↗

PubMed2004

Risk perception of oral cancer in smokers attending primary care: a randomised controlled trial.

To encourage the public to attend and accept oral cancer screening, further understanding is required of the ability of structured information to alter patient knowledge and risk perceptions. Previous work has shown the benefit of written information for those at high risk of oral cancer, especially for tobacco smokers. This study investigated three hypotheses: first that a patient information leaflet (PIL) would enhance risk perceptions, and second that the effect of the leaflet on knowledge would be confirmed as in previous studies and third that these improvements would be associated with smoking behaviour. Patients (N = 995) attending 20 general dental practices in Northern Ireland were invited to participate, 28 refused (response rate = 97%). Patients were randomised into two groups. The experimental group received a PIL and then completed a self-report questionnaire, whereas the control group followed same procedure without the PIL. Measures included a 36 item oral cancer knowledge scale and two items to assess risk perception. Usable data were available from 944 patients; mean (SD) age = 42 (15), 65% female. Risk perceptions of oral cancer were minimally effected by the PIL (p = 0.023). This effect was demonstrable in smokers. Smokers were sixteen (95% CI: 8-30) times more likely to believe that they were at greater risk of oral cancer than non-smokers. A clear benefit of the PIL on patients' oral cancer knowledge was found, particularly for smokers and those with a history of smoking. These findings demonstrate that public awareness of smokers can be raised with written information although health beliefs such as risk perceptions require more intensive intervention.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Gender differences in risk perception: theoretical and methodological perspectives.

A substantial body of risk research indicates that women and men differ in their perceptions of risk. This paper discusses how they differ and why. A review of a number of existing empirical studies of risk perception points at several problems, regarding what gender differences are found in such studies, and how these differences are accounted for. Firstly, quantitative approaches, which have so far dominated risk research, and qualitative approaches give different, sometimes even contradictory images of women's and men's perceptions of risk. Secondly, the gender differences that appear are often left unexplained, and even when explanations are suggested, these are seldom related to gender research and gender theory in any systematic way. This paper argues that a coherent, theoretically informed gender perspective on risk is needed to improve the understanding of women's and men's risk perceptions. An analysis of social theories of gender points out some relations and distinctions which should be considered in such a perspective. It is argued that gender structures, reflected in gendered ideology and gendered practice, give rise to systematic gender differences in the perception of risk. These gender differences may be of different kinds, and their investigation requires the use of qualitative as well as quantitative methods. In conclusion, the arguments about gender and risk perception are brought together in a theoretical model which might serve as a starting point for further research.

Female↗

PubMed1999

Risk perception and HIV-1 prevalence in 15,000 adults in rural south-west Uganda.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have described levels and determinants of perceived risk of HIV-1 among African adults for whom the sero-status is known. This study describes HIV risk perception obtained from a large rural population in south-west Uganda which also underwent serological testing for HIV. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Information on risk perception and sexual behaviour was collected by interview. Sera were obtained from all consenting adults (13 years and above) in order to assess HIV-1 prevalence. RESULTS: Of 14,818 adults with a definitive sero-status, 9.7% were HIV-1 positive and 51% considered themselves to be at risk of infection. Risk perception showed similar patterns as age- and sex-specific sero-prevalence and there was correspondence between risk factors for perceived risk and known HIV risk factors. Partner's sexual behaviour was the commonest reason for risk perception in women whereas men cited their own sexual behaviour. Abstinence from sex was much more commonly mentioned as a protective practice than condom use in men and women. CONCLUSION: Half of the adults we have studied already see infection with HIV as a real possibility in their lives and are aware of HIV risk behaviours. More efforts should be made to implement sustainable control measures rather than simply raising awareness. In addition to recommending abstinence, these include mutual faithfulness, condom use and better treatment for STDs.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Risk perception research: socio-cultural perspectives on the public experience of air pollution.

This paper reviews recent work in the field of risk perception research, taking its examples primarily from work relating to air pollution issues. The paper opens with a brief discussion of the psychological literature on risk perception, in order to set out the key insights, criticisms and more recent developments associated with such approaches, before turning to the findings of recent socio-cultural analyses of perceptions of air pollution. This account, which considers how social and cultural factors influence the way in which people interpret and make sense of risk, draws linkages with psychological risk perception research, revealing that over the last decade there has been a pronounced degree of convergence between the conclusions being reached across these two (historically disparate) fields of research. The paper concludes by evaluating the relevance of risk perception research for the science and policy of risk assessment and management.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2004

Factors associated with HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk perception in rural Malawi.

Measures of HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk perception are important because they are often linked to behavioral change both in theory and in practice. This study examines knowledge and risk perception by assessing their relationship with demographic characteristics, first source of HIV/AIDS information, and behavioral and cognitive risk exposures among men and women in a rural district of Malawi. The data come from a panel study of 940 women aged 15-34 years and 661 men aged 20-44 years. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression models are used for the analysis. The results indicate that knowledge of HIV/AIDS does not necessarily translate into perceived risk. In addition, there appears to be a gender difference in the influence of cognitive and behavioral factors on perceived risk.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2006

BRCA1/2 testing in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer families III: risk perception and screening.

This study aimed to ascertain whether cancer risk perception changed following the offer and subsequent receipt of BRCA1/2 results and to evaluate breast and ovarian screening practices in testers and non-testers. Members of thirteen HBOC families were offered BRCA1/2 testing for a known family mutation. Perceived risk for developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer or for carrying the familial BRCA1/2 mutation, was assessed at baseline and again at 6-9 months following the receipt of test results. Breast and ovarian cancer screening data were obtained at both time-points. A total of 138 women participated and 120 (87%) chose to be tested for a known familial mutation. Twenty-eight women (24%) were identified as carriers and their perceived ovarian cancer risk and their perception of being a mutation carrier increased (P = 0.01 for both). Those testing negatives had a significant decrease in all dimensions of risk perception (P < 0.01). Regression analysis showed test results to be strong predictors of follow-up risk perception (P = 0.001), however, they were not predictors of screening practices at follow-up. Testers were more likely to have completed a clinical breast exam following testing than decliners. Mammography was positively associated with baseline adherence, age, and intrusive thoughts. Ovarian cancer worries only predicted pelvic ultrasound screening post-testing. Baseline practices and psychological factors appear to be stronger predictors of health behavior than test results.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The effect of risk communication on risk perceptions: the significance of individual differences.

The purpose of this paper is to address the literature on the relation between risk communication and the initiation of health behavior change. More specifically, we examine the evidence that providing risk information is an effective way to change risk perceptions, as well as the more limited evidence that altering risk perceptions influences risk behavior. The paper discusses significant developments in the research on these issues, describes specific studies that represent trends in this research, and discusses methodologic issues important to the development of the field. Although there are relatively few studies that demonstrate causal links between risk communication and behavior change, recent developments in the field point to the importance of tailoring risk communications to the individual characteristics of targets. Such tailoring has taken a variety of forms, including providing individualized feedback concerning risk status or genetic vulnerability and assessing readiness for behavior change. Future intervention efforts should combine individualized risk status feedback with assessment of individual differences in previous behavior and acceptance of personal vulnerability.

Communication↗

PubMed1999

Risk perception in context: the Savannah River Site Stakeholder Study.

Environmental managers are increasingly charged with involving the public in the development and modification of policies regarding risks to human health and the environment. Involving the public in environmental decision making first requires a broad understanding of how and why the public perceives various risks. The Savannah River Stakeholder Study was conducted with the purpose of investigating individual, economic, and social characteristics of risk perceptions among those living near the Savannah River Nuclear Weapons Site. A number of factors were found to impact risk perceptions among those living near the site. One's estimated proximity to the site and relative river location surfaced as strong determinants of risk perceptions among SRS residents. Additionally, living in a quality neighborhood and demonstrating a willingness to accept health risks for economic gain strongly abated heightened risk perceptions.

Environmental Health↗

PubMed2001

Cancer risk perceptions and distress among women attending a familial ovarian cancer clinic.

Of 230 women referred to a familial ovarian cancer clinic, 196 (85%) completed a questionnaire before they attended. The data collected included pre-counselling risk perceptions and an assessment of distress. Respondents were more likely to underestimate (44%) than overestimate (19%) their risk. Those with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) were particularly likely to underestimate their ovarian cancer risk. The variables assessed in this study - sociodemographic, family history, distress, anxiety proneness, coping style and beliefs about health control - explained little of the observed variation in accuracy of risk perception. On the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) 30% of the sample obtained scores above the cut-off (>/= 6) recommended for screening for 'case-level' psychological distress. Women exhibiting case-level distress were more likely to overestimate their risk (OR = 2.3). On univariate analysis low internal locus of control was associated with 'case-level' distress (P = 0.008). On multiple regression the best predictors of 'caseness' were high-trait anxiety, being a graduate and inaccurate risk perception. There was no difference in the level of distress shown by women with HBOC vs. those with a history of ovarian cancer only. Implications of these findings for the counselling needs of the women are discussed. The effectiveness of the clinic in improving the accuracy of risk perceptions and relieving distress is being assessed.

Adult↗