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Wu HC, Murphy H, Greer A, Clay L. Evacuate or social distance? Modeling the influence of threat perceptions on hurricane evacuation in a dual-threat environment. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2024; 44:724-737. [PMID: 37550261 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates how different risk predictors influenced households' evacuation decisions during a dual-threat event (Hurricane Laura and COVID-19 pandemic). The Protective Action Decision Model (PADM) literature indicates that perceived threat variables are the most influential variables that drive evacuation decisions. This study applies the PADM to investigate a dual-threat disaster that has conflicting protective action recommendations. Given the novelty, scale, span, impact, and messaging around COVID-19, it is crucial to see how hurricanes along the Gulf Coast-a hazard addressed seasonally by residents with mostly consistent protective action messaging-produce different reactions in residents in this pandemic context. Household survey data were collected during early 2021 using a disproportionate stratified sampling procedure to include households located in mandatory and voluntary evacuation areas across the coastal counties in Texas and parishes in Louisiana that were affected by Hurricane Laura. Structural equation modeling was used to identify the relationships between perceived threats and evacuation decisions. The findings suggest affective risk perceptions strongly affected cognitive risk perceptions (CRPs). Notably, hurricane and COVID-19 CRPs are significant predictors of hurricane evacuation decisions in different ways. Hurricane CRPs encourage evacuation, but COVID-19 CRPs hinder evacuation decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Che Wu
- Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Haley Murphy
- Fire and Emergency Management Administration Program, Oklahoma State University, Still Water, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Alex Greer
- Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, University at Albany, SUNY Albany, New York, USA
| | - Lauren Clay
- Department of Emergency Health Services, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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2
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Kulesza W, Dolinski D, Muniak P, Rizulla A. Mimicry boosts social bias: unrealistic optimism in a health prevention case. SOCIAL INFLUENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/15534510.2023.2187880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Kulesza
- Centre for Research on Social Relations, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Psychology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Dolinski
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Muniak
- Centre for Research on Social Relations, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Psychology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aidana Rizulla
- Department of General and Applied Psychology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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Dawson C. Looking on the (B)right Side of Life: Cognitive Ability and Miscalibrated Financial Expectations. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2023:1461672231209400. [PMID: 37947133 DOI: 10.1177/01461672231209400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
It is a puzzle why humans tend toward unrealistic optimism, as it can lead to excessively risky behavior and a failure to take precautionary action. Using data from a large nationally representative U.K. sample ( N = 36 , 312 ) , our claim is that optimism bias is partly a consequence of low cognition-as measured by a broad range of cognitive skills, including memory, verbal fluency, fluid reasoning and numerical reasoning. We operationalize unrealistic optimism as the difference between a person's financial expectation and the financial realization that follows, measured annually over a decade. All else being equal, those highest on cognitive ability experience a 22% (53.2%) increase in the probability of realism (pessimism) and a 34.8% reduction in optimism compared with those lowest on cognitive ability. This suggests that the negative consequences of an excessively optimistic mindset may, in part, be a side product of the true driver, low cognitive ability.
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La Rosa VL, Commodari E. University Experience during the First Two Waves of COVID-19: Students' Experiences and Psychological Wellbeing. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:1477-1490. [PMID: 37623305 PMCID: PMC10453088 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13080108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to analyze Italian university students' psychological needs, learning experiences, and wellbeing during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The study was carried out during the first wave of the pandemic, and then during the second. A total of 1230 university students (654 in stage 1 and 576 in stage 2) completed a battery of validated questionnaires exploring students' experiences in distance learning, perceived health risks related to COVID-19, and psychological wellbeing. RESULTS MANOVA showed a significant main effect of the pandemic stage on students' learning experience and wellbeing. In particular, students were more distracted and concerned about their academic careers during the second phase of the pandemic than in the first. Furthermore, the pandemic stage also significantly affected health risk perceptions and fear of COVID-19, which were higher during the second wave of the pandemic. Female gender and concern for a university career were significant risk factors for high levels of negative affectivity and low levels of positive affectivity during the pandemic. In contrast, adherence to COVID-19 restriction measures and good family support were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS It is essential to promote adequate university psychological services to support university students who have experienced the adverse psychological effects of the pandemic and enhance the resilience factors needed to improve their wellbeing in the post-pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lucia La Rosa
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca 4, 95124 Catania, Italy;
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5
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Nam SJ, Pak TY. Predicting adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among South Korean adults aged 40 to 69 Years using the expanded health empowerment model. SSM Popul Health 2023; 22:101411. [PMID: 37123561 PMCID: PMC10123021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The public health environment in South Korea is advancing toward the late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is limited knowledge about the extent of individuals' compliance with preventive measures during this transitional period and the potential predictors that determine such compliance behaviors. In this study, we employed the expanded health empowerment model to investigate factors associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors among Korean adults in late 2022. Our theoretical framework integrates the knowledge-attitude-behavior model with the health belief model to conceptualize health empowerment underlying the formation of preventive behaviors. We collected data from 1100 Korean adults aged 40-69 years through an online survey conducted in October 2022. Participants responded to questions about their knowledge of COVID-19, attitudes towards the disease, adherence to preventive measures, infection history, and sociodemographic characteristics. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors related to COVID-19. Results showed that attitudes toward the disease predict adherence to preventive behaviors. We also found that COVID-19 knowledge partially determined the attitudes toward the disease. However, COVID-19 knowledge was not directly associated with adherence to preventive behaviors. Additionally, the associations between knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors did not differ between infected and never-infected individuals. Overall, this study finds empirical support for the expanded health empowerment model, which connects knowledge to preventive behaviors through positive attitudes toward the disease, while underscoring the limited role of infection history in this association. These findings can help policymakers understand individual responses to public health guidelines in the late pandemic era and develop policies to mitigate further transmission of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jung Nam
- Department of Consumer Science and Convergence Program for Social Innovation, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae-Young Pak
- Department of Consumer Science and Convergence Program for Social Innovation, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
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Izydorczak K, Dolinski D, Genschow O, Kulesza W, Muniak P, Casara BGS, Suitner C. Do unbiased people act more rationally?-The case of comparative realism and vaccine intention. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:220775. [PMID: 36756056 PMCID: PMC9890112 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Within different populations and at various stages of the pandemic, it has been demonstrated that individuals believe they are less likely to become infected than their average peer. This is known as comparative optimism and it has been one of the reproducible effects in social psychology. However, in previous and even the most recent studies, researchers often neglected to consider unbiased individuals and inspect the differences between biased and unbiased individuals. In a mini meta-analysis of six studies (Study 1), we discovered that unbiased individuals have lower vaccine intention than biased ones. In two pre-registered, follow-up studies, we aimed at testing the reproducibility of this phenomenon and its explanations. In Study 2 we replicated the main effect and found no evidence for differences in psychological control between biased and unbiased groups. In Study 3 we also replicated the effect and found that realists hold more centric views on the trade-offs between threats from getting vaccinated and getting ill. We discuss the interpretation and implication of our results in the context of the academic and lay-persons' views on rationality. We also put forward empirical and theoretical arguments for considering unbiased individuals as a separate phenomenon in the domain of self-others comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Izydorczak
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ostrowskiego 30b, 53-238 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Dolinski
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ostrowskiego 30b, 53-238 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Oliver Genschow
- Social Cognition Center Cologne, University of Cologne, Koln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Wojciech Kulesza
- Warsaw Faculty, Centre for Research on Social Relations SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Muniak
- Warsaw Faculty, Centre for Research on Social Relations SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Caterina Suitner
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy
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Kulesza W, Dolinski D, Suitner C, Genschow O, Muniak P, Izydorczak K, Salvador Casara BG. It Matters to Whom You Compare Yourself: The Case of Unrealistic Optimism and Gender-Specific Comparisons. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231152154. [PMID: 36721355 PMCID: PMC9899955 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231152154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Unrealistic Optimism (UO) appears when comparing participants' risk estimates for themselves with an average peer, which typically results in lower risk estimates for the self. This article reports nuanced effects when comparison varies in terms of the gender of the peer. In three studies (total N = 2,468, representative sample), we assessed people's risk estimates for COVID-19 infections for peers with the same or other gender. If a peer's gender is not taken into account, previous studies were replicated: Compared with others, participants perceived themselves as less likely to get infected with COVID-19. Interestingly, this effect was qualified by gender: Respondents perceived women as less threatened than men because women are perceived as more cautious and compliant with medical guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Kulesza
- Warsaw Faculty, Centre for Research on
Social Relations, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw,
Poland
| | - Dariusz Dolinski
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS
University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Caterina Suitner
- Department of Developmental Psychology
and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Oliver Genschow
- Social Cognition Center Cologne,
University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Paweł Muniak
- Warsaw Faculty, Centre for Research on
Social Relations, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw,
Poland
| | - Kamil Izydorczak
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS
University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wrocław, Poland,Kamil Izydorczak, Faculty of Psychology in
Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Aleksandra
Ostrowskiego 30B, 53-238 Wrocław, Poland.
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Self-uniqueness beliefs and adherence to recommended precautions. A 5-wave longitudinal COVID-19 study. Soc Sci Med 2023; 317:115595. [PMID: 36495770 PMCID: PMC9721128 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Research on health-related self-uniqueness beliefs suggested that these beliefs might predict adherence to precautions against COVID-19. OBJECTIVE We examined if comparative optimism (believing that one is less at less than others), self-superiority (believing that one already adheres better to precautions than others), and egocentric impact perception (believing that adverse events affect oneself more than others) predicted intended adherence to precautions. METHOD We measured self-reported intentions, optimism for self and others, perceived past adherence by self and others, and perceived impact of the measures and the disease on self and others in a 5-wave longitudinal study in December 2020-May 2021 (N ≈ 5000/wave). The sample was in key respects representative for the Belgian population. We used joint models to examine the relationship between self-uniqueness beliefs and intended adherence to the precautions. RESULTS Believing that COVID-19 would affect one's own life more than average (egocentric impact perception) was associated with higher intentions to adhere to precautions, as was believing that the precautions affected one's life less than average (allocentric impact perception). Self-superiority concerning past adherence to precautions and comparative optimism concerning infection with COVID-19 were associated with higher intended adherence, regardless of whether their non-comparative counterparts (descriptive norm, i.e., perceived adherence to precautions by others, and personal optimism, respectively) were controlled for. Comparative optimism for severe disease and for good outcome were associated with lower intended adherence if personal optimism was not controlled for, but with higher intended adherence if it was controlled for. CONCLUSION Self-uniqueness beliefs predict intended adherence to precautions against COVID-19, but do so in different directions.
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Kulesza W, Dolinski D, Muniak P, Winner D, Izydorczak K, Derakhshan A, Rizulla A. Biased Social Comparison in the Moment of Crisis. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/1864-9335/a000495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. The better-than-average effect (BTAE) is a mechanism where people perceive oneself as better than others. The BTAE could be one of the phenomena explaining why people follow – in the moment of a global health crisis – guidelines (“I am superior to others, and I [will]) take extra precautions, e.g., a vaccine shot”). In this paper, we investigate the BTAE with 3,066 respondents. In Study 1, in all countries, across two measurements in time, the BTAE was present: Participants rated their involvement in self-protection as greater in comparison to others. Study 2 replicated this effect, proving its robustness. Participants estimated their willingness to vaccinate as higher than others. The BTAE was a significant predictor of willingness to vaccinate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Kulesza
- Department of Psychology in Warsaw, Centre for Research on Social Relations, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Dolinski
- Department of Psychology in Wroclaw, Centre for Research on Social Behavior, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Muniak
- Department of Psychology in Warsaw, Centre for Research on Social Relations, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daisy Winner
- Dean's Office, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kamil Izydorczak
- Department of Psychology in Wroclaw, Centre for Research on Social Behavior, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ali Derakhshan
- Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Aidana Rizulla
- Department of General and Applied Psychology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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10
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Smoking-related psychosocial beliefs and justifications among smokers in India: Findings from Tobacco Control Policy (TCP) India Surveys. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1738. [PMID: 36100940 PMCID: PMC9472368 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14112-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous research in high-income countries (HICs) has shown that smokers reduce their cognitive dissonance through two types of justifications over time: risk minimizing and functional beliefs. To date, however, the relationship between these justifications and smoking behaviors over time has limited evidence from low- and middle-income countries. This study examines these of justifications and their relation to quitting behavior and intentions among smoking tobacco users in India. Methods The data are from the Tobacco Control Policy (TCP) India Survey, a prospective cohort of nationally representative sample of tobacco users. The respondents include smoked tobacco (cigarettes and bidi) users (n = 1112) who participated in both Wave 1 (W1; 2010–2011) and Wave 2 (W2; 2012–2013) surveys. Key measures include questions about psychosocial beliefs such as functional beliefs (e.g., smoking calms you down when you are stressed or upset) and risk-minimizing beliefs (e.g., the medical evidence that smoking is harmful is exaggerated) and quitting behavior and intentions at Wave 2. Findings Of the 1112 smokers at W1, 78 (7.0%) had quit and 86 (7.8%) had intentions to quit at W2. Compared to W1, there was a significant increase in functional beliefs at W2 among smokers who transitioned to mixed use (using both smoking and smokeless tobacco) and a significant decrease among those who quit. At W2, smokers who quit held significantly lower levels of functional beliefs, than continuing smokers, and mixed users ((M = 2.96, 3.30, and 3.93, respectively, p < .05). In contrast, risk-minimizing beliefs did not change significantly between the two waves. Additionally, higher income and lower functional beliefs were significant predictors of quitting behavior at W2. Conclusion These results suggest that smokers in India exhibit similar patterns of dissonance reduction as reported in studies from HICs: smokers who quit reduced their smoking justifications in the form of functional beliefs, not risk-minimizing beliefs. Smokers’ beliefs change in concordance with their smoking behavior and functional beliefs tend to play a significant role as compared to risk-minimizing beliefs. Tobacco control messaging and interventions can be framed to target these functional beliefs to facilitate quitting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14112-w.
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Takemura Y, Sato K, Kondo K, Kondo N. Characteristics associated with optimistic or pessimistic perception about the probability of contracting COVID-19: A cross-sectional study of Japanese older adults. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101186. [PMID: 35958226 PMCID: PMC9357279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Excessive optimistic perception about the probability of acquiring coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may hinder people from exercising preventive measures, whereas excessive pessimistic perception can induce psychological problems. Not much focus has been paid to this topic, and prior studies are only online surveys. We determined the characteristics of older adults with optimistic and pessimistic perceptions of the probability of contracting COVID-19. Methods We used data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES), including 18,045 participants aged ≥ 65 years (mean age: 75.7 years) who were physically and cognitively independent. Self-reported questionnaires were sent to 11 municipalities between November 2020 and February 2021. Multinomial logistic regression was used for data analysis. Results The characteristics of 1,596 (8.8%) participants with optimistic perception and 1,276 (7.1%) with pessimistic perception were compared with that of others (80.4%) with moderate perception. Optimism about infection probability was positively associated with older age; better perceived financial conditions but negatively associated with higher education level; trust in TV news programs, TV information programs, and government-issued newsletters; depressive symptoms; and higher levels of reciprocity. Pessimism was negatively associated with higher levels of social cohesion. In contrast, it was positively associated with engagement in paid work; trust in TV news programs, the Internet, and information from medical staff; and depressive symptoms. Conclusion Optimistic and pessimistic perceptions about the probability of acquiring infection correlated differently with various characteristics. Thus, risk communication during a pandemic should be tailored based on specific individual characteristics. The perception of COVID-19 infection probability among older adults was studied. Older age, lower education and reciprocity were associated with optimism. Lower social cohesion, employment and depression correlated with pessimism. Trust in information from the TV and Internet was associated with pessimism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Takemura
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koryu Sato
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Corresponding author. Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University Floor 2, Science Frontier Laboratory, Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8315, Japan.
| | - Katsunori Kondo
- Department of Social Preventive Medical Sciences, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Gerontological Evaluation, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naoki Kondo
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Bleichrodt H. The prevention puzzle. THE GENEVA RISK AND INSURANCE REVIEW 2022; 47:277-297. [PMID: 35872662 PMCID: PMC9294747 DOI: 10.1057/s10713-022-00079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Promoting prevention is an important goal of public policy. Fifty years ago, Ehrlich and Becker (J Polit Econ 80:623-648, 1972) proposed a simple model of prevention (or self-protection as they called it). Surprisingly enough, subsequent research, mainly within the expected utility paradigm, showed that it is hard to derive clear predictions within this simple model that can help to guide policy. This is what I refer to as the prevention puzzle: why is it so hard for economic theory to guide prevention decisions? In this article I try to shed light on this question. I review the existing literature and add some tentative new results under nonexpected utility. While the impact of risk aversion on prevention is complex, three factors seem to contribute unambiguously to underprevention: prudence, likelihood insensitivity, and loss aversion. I conclude by giving some ideas how empirical research may contribute to the understanding of prevention decisions and help to solve the prevention puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Bleichrodt
- Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Departamento Fundamentos del Análisis Económico, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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Kim Y, Chung S. Risk-Likelihood Perceptions and Preventive Behaviors Against Infectious Diseases: Testing Different Types of Risk-Likelihood Perceptions in the Context of MERS and COVID-19. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022:1-14. [PMID: 35430935 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2059831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Effective public health communication should take into the consideration how communicated risk perceptions might influence the public. Although many health behavior theories claim that high perceived risk likelihood motivates preventive health behaviors, this general prediction is complicated by different ways of estimating risk likelihood. Our review of 14 previous studies on perceived risk of infectious diseases revealed different measures of risk likelihood and inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between perceived risk likelihood and behavioral intention. Drawn from the review, we examined the predictive power of different types of risk likelihood on intention to prevent infectious diseases. Using two separate data sets, collected during the 2015 outbreak of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (N = 557) and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2021 (N = 1,001), we demonstrated that perceived risk likelihood that specifies future inaction on health behaviors (i.e., conditional absolute risk perception) better predicted behavioral intention than did other types of risk perceptions. When the effect of conditional absolute risk perception was controlled, the behavioral intention and unconditional absolute risk perception showed a negative relationship. The findings have theoretical and practical implications that can inform strategic communication during future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youllee Kim
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Denver
| | - Sungeun Chung
- The Department of Media and Communication, Sungkyunkwan University
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Kim HK, Chung S, Kim Y, Lee S. Conditional risk perception and protection behavior: Testing the behavior motivation hypothesis and the risk reappraisal hypothesis. Soc Sci Med 2022; 298:114868. [PMID: 35276626 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There exist two distinctive hypotheses on the relationship between perceived risk and protection behavior: the behavioral motivation hypothesis (i.e., a higher risk perception motivates protection behaviors) and the risk reappraisal hypothesis (i.e., protection behaviors reduce perceived risk). To test these competing hypotheses, we examined how risk perception, behavioral intention, and behavior are affected by conditional risk information. In a two-wave panel experiment conducted online in South Korea (Time 1 N = 450; Time 2 N = 276), we manipulated the risk level (high vs. low) of gum disease in a health message both for the inaction of the recommended preventive behavior (flossing) and for the action of the behavior. The results showed that information about high (vs. low) inaction conditional risk indirectly led to greater flossing intention via changing inaction risk perception. In contrast, information about high (vs. low) action conditional risk increased action risk perception, which was negatively linked to flossing intention. Greater inaction risk perception at Time 1 significantly increased actual flossing behavior at Time 2. The decrease in risk perception between Time 1 (inaction conditional) and Time 2 (unconditional) was greater with increasing intentions at Time 1 and with actual behavioral engagement between Time 1 and Time 2. The findings of this study supported both the behavioral motivation hypothesis and the risk reappraisal hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Seoin Lee
- Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
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Herbec A, Brown J, Jackson SE, Kale D, Zatoński M, Garnett C, Chadborn T, Shahab L. Perceived risk factors for severe Covid-19 symptoms and their association with health behaviours: Findings from the HEBECO study. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 222:103458. [PMID: 34933210 PMCID: PMC8639445 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk perceptions are important influences on health behaviours. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models to assess cross-sectionally risk perceptions for severe Covid-19 symptoms and their health behaviour correlates among 2206 UK adults from the HEBECO study. The great majority (89-99%) classified age 70+, having comorbidities, being a key worker, overweight, and from an ethnic minority as increasing the risk. People were less sure about alcohol drinking, vaping, and nicotine replacement therapy use (17.4-29.5% responding 'don't know'). Relative to those who did not, those who engaged in the following behaviours had higher odds of classifying these behaviours as (i) decreasing the risk: smoking cigarettes (adjusted odds ratios, aORs, 95% CI = 2.26, 1.39-3.37), and using e-cigarettes (aORs = 5.80, 3.25-10.34); (ii) having no impact: smoking cigarettes (1.98; 1.42-2.76), using e-cigarettes (aORs = 2.63, 1.96-3.50), drinking alcohol (aORs = 1.75, 1.31-2.33); and lower odds of classifying these as increasing the risk: smoking cigarettes (aORs: 0.43, 0.32-0.56), using e-cigarettes (aORs = 0.25, 0.18-0.35). Similarly, eating more fruit and vegetables was associated with classifying unhealthy diet as 'increasing risk' (aOR = 1.37, 1.12-1.69), and exercising more with classifying regular physical activity as 'decreasing risk' (aOR = 2.42, 1.75-3.34). Risk perceptions for severe Covid-19 among UK adults were lower for their own health behaviours, evidencing optimism bias. These risk perceptions may form barriers to changing people's own unhealthy behaviours, make them less responsive to interventions that refer to the risk of Covid-19 as a motivating factor, and exacerbate inequalities in health behaviours and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Herbec
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK; Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, UK; Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, UK.
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK
| | | | - Dimitra Kale
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK
| | - Mateusz Zatoński
- Institute - European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland; Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, UK
| | | | | | - Lion Shahab
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK
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16
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Kulesza W, Dolinski D, Muniak P, Grzyb T, Rizulla A. COVID-19 and a biased public mentality toward infection and vaccination: A case of unrealistic optimism and social comparisons between the vaccinated and unvaccinated. JOURNAL OF PACIFIC RIM PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/18344909221122573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Unrealistic Optimism in the context of COVID-19 is described as the tendency to perceive peers as being more at risk of infection. To date, however, no research has proposed more specific comparisons. The present article not only replicates the most recent body of literature showing that people perceive themselves as less prone to COVID-19 infection than their peers, but fills the aforementioned gap by providing additional and more specific comparisons between those vaccinated and unvaccinated against COVID-19. Such comparisons may be crucial to curb the possibility of resurgence of COVID-19 by assessing how unvaccinated individuals perceive the probability of being infected by coronavirus. Some 622 Prolific—(un)vaccinated against COVID-19—users participated in an online quasi-experiment. Participants estimated the risk of COVID-19 infection for themselves, their peers or the average (un)vaccinated peer, which is a new addition to the literature. Results showed that there was an unrealistic optimism effect. Participants estimated their risk for infection as lower in comparison to others. Surprisingly, results showed that for unvaccinated people, vaccines seem to be an effective tool to reduce the risk of infection, but not for themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Kulesza
- Warsaw Faculty, Centre for Research on Social Relations, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Chodakowska 19/31, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Dolinski
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Aleksandra Ostrowskiego 30B, 53-238 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Muniak
- Warsaw Faculty, Centre for Research on Social Relations, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Chodakowska 19/31, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Grzyb
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Aleksandra Ostrowskiego 30B, 53-238 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aidana Rizulla
- Department of General and Applied Psychology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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17
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Duong HT, Massey ZB, Churchill V, Popova L. Are smokers scared by COVID-19 risk? How fear and comparative optimism influence smokers' intentions to take measures to quit smoking. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260478. [PMID: 34874964 PMCID: PMC8651098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that smoking may compound the risk of serious health problems to smokers who contract COVID-19. This study examines whether and how exposure to news stories reporting the severe COVID-19 risk to smokers may influence smokers’ emotional responses (fear, anxiety, and sadness) and intentions to take measures to quit smoking. Current smokers in the US participated in an online experiment (N = 495) and were randomized to read smoking risk news stories or news stories reporting the combined risk of smoking and COVID-19. We found that combined risk news stories lead to participants feeling more fearful and sadder than when they viewed smoking risk news stories (M = 5.74; SD = 2.57 vs. M = 5.20; SD = 2.74; p < .05). Fear fully mediated the effect of news exposure on intentions to take measures to quit smoking (ß = .09; SE = 05; 95% CI [.010, .200]). Moreover, moderated-mediation analyses revealed that the mediating effect of fear was conditioned on the levels of comparative optimism, such that the association between fear and intentions to take measures to quit smoking was only significant among smokers whose comparative optimism was at the mean score (ß = .16; SE = 05; 95% CI [.071, .250]), and for those whose comparative optimism was high (ß = .27; SE = .06; 95% CI [.146, .395]). These results suggest that fear of the pandemic and optimism might play important roles in predicting and explaining the association between exposure to news stories and intentions to take measures to quit smoking. Messages about heightened risk of COVID-19 complications for smokers that increase fear might be an effective strategy to motivate smokers to quit. Such messages should be used to turn the adversity of COVID-19 pandemic into an intervention opportunity to reduce tobacco-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue Trong Duong
- Department of Communication, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Zachary B. Massey
- School of Journalism, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Victoria Churchill
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Lucy Popova
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Optimistic bias, risky behavior, and social norms among Indian college students during COVID-19. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021; 183:111076. [PMID: 36569788 PMCID: PMC9757911 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Using survey data of college students in India, we investigate whether COVID-19 optimistic bias among individuals increases risky behavior. We also explore whether participants' optimistic bias differs depending on their degree of closeness with others. We found that the presence of friends instead of neighbors/strangers make participants with high COVID-19 optimistic bias inclined to take more risks. Besides, it has been found that preventive behavioral norms followed by peers minimize risky behavior among participants with high optimistic bias. Our findings offer important implications for policymakers to minimize the transmission of the disease among college students.
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Dolinski D, Kulesza W, Muniak P, Dolinska B, Węgrzyn R, Izydorczak K. Media intervention program for reducing unrealistic optimism bias: The link between unrealistic optimism, well-being, and health. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2021; 14:499-518. [PMID: 34693650 PMCID: PMC9298214 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Unrealistic optimism is the tendency to perceive oneself as safer than others in situations that equally threaten everybody. By reducing fear, this bias boosts one's well-being; however, it is also a deterrent to one's health. Three experiments were run in a mixed-design on 1831 participants to eliminate unrealistic optimism (measured by two items-probability of COVID-19 infection for oneself and for others; within-subjects) toward the probability of COVID-19 infection via articles/videos. A between-subject factor was created by manipulation. Ostensibly, daily newspaper articles describing other people diligently following medical recommendations (experiment 1) and videos showing people who did not follow these recommendations (experiment 2) reduced unrealistic optimism. The third experiment, which included both articles and videos, replicated these results. These results can be applied to strategies for written and video communications that can be used by governments and public health agencies as best practices concerning not only COVID-19 but also any subsequent public health threat while promoting proactive, optimal, and healthy functioning of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Dolinski
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kulesza
- Warsaw Faculty, Centre for Research on Social Relations, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Muniak
- Warsaw Faculty, Centre for Research on Social Relations, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Rafał Węgrzyn
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Izydorczak
- Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland
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20
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Phenomenological insight into the motivation to quit smoking. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 131:108583. [PMID: 34535321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Quitting tobacco is often viewed as a difficult experience as the dependence includes sets of behavioral, cognitive, social, and physiologic phenomena that prevent most smokers from having a successful first attempt of quitting. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain insight into and understand the motivation for attempts to quit smoking in relation to the stages of the behavior change model. METHOD The study team based this qualitative study on Alfred Schütz's social phenomenology framework. The study team planned for fourteen in-depth interviews with patients registered at a Quit Smoking Clinic. Each in-depth session lasted 45-60 min and we audio recorded them with consent. Following full verbatim transcription, the study team carried out detailed thematic analysis using Nvivo software. RESULTS Out of a total of 14 patients, 10 agreed to participate (response rate 71.4%). Seven participants (70%) had successfully quit smoking, while the remaining 30% relapsed after the first quit attempt. The study team extracted from the data three key themes with eight child nodes: barriers to quitting smoking, reasons for quit attempt, and how to quit. Unsuccessful attempts were related to tobacco addiction and successful attempts were based on the need to improve one's health and family. The study explored two intrinsic (self-realization and healthy lifestyle) and two extrinsic motivations (family's health and role model for children) for attempting to quit. CONCLUSION The study highlights the importance of psychological support in successful quit attempts. Treatment providers should encourage behavior change through intrinsic goals, as such goals, compared to extrinsic goals, have a long-term and positive impact because they can activate autonomous motivation.
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21
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Mostafa A, El Houssinie M, Hussein RS. Perceived efficacy of existing waterpipe tobacco warning labels versus novel enhanced generic and waterpipe-specific sets. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255244. [PMID: 34314460 PMCID: PMC8315518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since 2008, Egypt has four existing generic bi-annually rotating warning labels (WLs) on 50% of the waterpipe tobacco packs (WTPs). The Ministry of Health Tobacco Control Unit proposed increasing WL size to 80%, removing colours and flavour imagery from WTPs, and plain packaging to help curb the rising epidemic of waterpipe tobacco smoking. Therefore, we measured the perceived efficacy of existing against novel enhanced (generic and waterpipe-specific) WTP WLs and the associated factors among Egyptian waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers. METHODS A purposive quota sample of 2014 adults was surveyed in two rounds using face interviews. At each round, participants were randomly shown one of four existing WLs, then one of four novel WLs. Participants rated the perceived efficacy of existing and novel WLs regarding the salience, depth of processing, affective reactions, credibility, relevance, perceived harm and perceived behavioural control. Data were analysed using Generalized Estimating Equations. RESULTS Participants rated novel WTP WLs with higher mean perceived efficacy scores than existing WLs for all measures, although both sets collectively scored modestly (59.7; 95% CI: 58.9-60.5 vs 53.0; 95% CI: 52.1-54.0, respectively; p<0.001). Relative to the existing WTP WLs, novel WLs were particularly able to induce higher salience, affective reactions, and depth of processing. Relative to the generic novel WTP WLs, waterpipe-specific WLs induced higher relevance, perceived harm, and affective reactions. Nonsmokers scored higher than waterpipe tobacco smokers, specifically for perceived behavioral control (65.0±32.5 vs 43.6±19.8, respectively; p<0.001). WTP WLs featuring proximal risks, such as dental effects (β = 9.70; 95% CI: 7.00-12.40), fetal harm (β = 9.42; 95% CI: 6.75-12.10), or toxic contents (β = 9.14; 95% CI: 6.58-11.70) were strongly associated with participants' perceived efficacy scores. Among other independent factors, rural residence (β = 24.09; 95% CI: 22.21-25.97), being a nonsmoker (β = 10.51; 95% CI: 8.92-12.10), survey round 2 (β = 6.96, 95% CI: 5.73-8.19), the novel WTP WL set (β = 6.68; 95% CI: 6.19-7.17), and having higher education (β = 6.31; 95% CI: 4.34-8.27) were highly associated with participants' perceived efficacy scores. CONCLUSIONS Waterpipe-specific WLs on plain WTPs that feature proximal risks and address different population subgroups need to be developed in conjunction with awareness raising campaigns on WTS harms to reinforce the credibility of WTP WLs. Our findings suggest the proposed WTP WL enhancements by the Tobacco Control Unit may support a more effective WTP labelling policy within a comprehensive waterpipe-specific tobacco control framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Mostafa
- Department of Community, Environmental, and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- * E-mail:
| | - Moustafa El Houssinie
- Department of Community, Environmental, and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha Saad Hussein
- Department of Community, Environmental, and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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22
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Puleo GE, Borger T, Bowling WR, Burris JL. The State of the Science on Cancer Diagnosis as a "Teachable Moment" for Smoking Cessation: A Scoping Review. Nicotine Tob Res 2021; 24:160-168. [PMID: 34212198 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Theoretically, cancer diagnosis has potential to spur health behavior changes in physical activity, diet, substance use, medication adherence and the like. The Teachable Moment heuristic is a parsimonious, transtheoretical framework for understanding the conditions under which behavior change might occur, with constructs that include affective, cognitive, and social factors. Application of the Teachable Moment to smoking cessation after cancer diagnosis might aid selection of predictors in observational studies and inform how to optimally design interventions to promote quit attempts and sustain abstinence, as many smoking cessation interventions for cancer survivors do not yield positive outcomes. This scoping review of 47 studies that span nearly 20 years of literature examines measurement of the Teachable Moment constructs and what empirical support they have in explaining cancer survivors' smoking behavior. From this review, it appears the construct of affective response is more widely explored than risk perceptions, social role, and self-concept. Strong, negative affective responses (e.g., anxiety, general distress) may be a powerful contributor to continued smoking after cancer diagnosis. Risk perceptions may also play a role in smoking behavior, such that never and former smokers espouse stronger perceptions of smoking-related risks than current smokers. Finally, due to a paucity of studies, the role of cancer survivors' self-concept (e.g., identity as a "cancer survivor") and changes in their social role (e.g., employee, athlete) are unclear contributors to their smoking behavior. In summary, the Teachable Moment holds promise in its application to smoking cessation after cancer diagnosis, though more direct research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tia Borger
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky
| | | | - Jessica L Burris
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky
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23
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Gassen J, Nowak TJ, Henderson AD, Weaver SP, Baker EJ, Muehlenbein MP. Unrealistic Optimism and Risk for COVID-19 Disease. Front Psychol 2021; 12:647461. [PMID: 34149531 PMCID: PMC8212979 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk perception and consequently engagement in behaviors to avoid illness often do not match actual risk of infection, morbidity, and mortality. Unrealistic optimism occurs when individuals falsely believe that their personal outcomes will be more favorable than others' in the same risk category. Natural selection could favor overconfidence if its benefits, such as psychological resilience, outweigh its costs. However, just because optimism biases may have offered fitness advantages in our evolutionary past does not mean that they are always optimal. The current project examined relationships among personal risk for severe COVID-19, risk perceptions, and preventative behaviors. We predicted that those with higher risk of severe COVID-19 would exhibit unrealistic optimism and behave in ways inconsistent with their elevated risk of morbidity and mortality. Clinical risk scores for severe COVID-19 were calculated and compared with COVID-19 threat appraisal, compliance with shelter-in-place orders (March 13–May 22, 2020) and travel restrictions, compliance with public health recommendations, and potential covariates like self-rated knowledge about COVID-19 in a robust dataset including 492 participants from McLennan County, TX, USA. While those with high clinical risk acknowledged their greater likelihood of experiencing severe illness if infected, they actually reported lower perceived likelihood of becoming infected in the first place. While it is possible that those with higher clinical risk scores truly are less likely to become infected, the pattern and significance of these results held after controlling for possible occupational exposure, household size, and other factors related to infection probability. Higher clinical risk also predicted more recent travel within Texas and lower distress during the pandemic (i.e., feeling less stressed, depressed, and helpless). Additional behavioral data suggested that those with higher clinical risk scores did not generally behave differently than those with lower scores during the shelter-in-place order. While unrealistic optimism may provide some short-term psychological benefits, it could be dangerous due to improper assessment of hazardous situations; inferring that optimism bias has evolutionary origins does not mean that unrealistic optimism is “optimal” in every situation. This may be especially true when individuals face novel sources (or scales) of risk, such as a global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Gassen
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Tomasz J Nowak
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | | | | | - Erich J Baker
- Department of Computer Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
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24
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Shin Y, Johnson NL. Testing effects of awareness of statewide smoke-free air law and risk perception on smoking behaviors. HEALTH EDUCATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/he-09-2020-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeTo reduce the smoking rates and alleviate societal problems associated with smoking, health administrators and policy makers have attempted to promote and implement statewide smoking free policy. The present study examined how adults' awareness of and attitude toward the smoke-free air law, their perceived risks of secondhand smoke and current smoking status were associated with smoking attitude and behaviors.Design/methodology/approachAs part of the Indiana Adult Tobacco Survey, 2,027 respondents participated in cross-sectional telephone surveys. A series of independent sample t-test and binary logistic regression analyses were performed.FindingsAwareness of the state law was inversely related to negative attitude toward smoking behaviors. Individuals who reported favorable attitude toward the state smoke-free air law and higher risk perceptions of secondhand smoke showed negative attitude toward smoking behaviors. Non-smokers and former smokers were significantly different from current smokers with regard to attitude toward smoking. Negative attitude was significantly related to intention to quit smoking. Awareness of the state law, perceived risk and current smoking status were key determinants for anti-smoking attitude and behavior.Originality/valueFindings highlight the importance of effective dissemination of the state law and recommend a strategic intervention design that invokes risk perceptions of secondhand smoke.
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25
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Wilmut K, Purcell C. The Lived Experience of Crossing the Road When You Have Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): The Perspectives of Parents of Children With DCD and Adults With DCD. Front Psychol 2020; 11:587042. [PMID: 33329244 PMCID: PMC7710519 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.587042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pedestrians are one of the most vulnerable groups at the roadside, furthermore, previous research has demonstrated perceptual-motor limitations in individuals with DCD which may put these individuals at even more at risk in the context of road crossing. However, it is unclear whether this is the lived experience of these individuals at the roadside. Furthermore, difficulties with road crossing and safety have been found in other neurodevelopmental disorders but the impact this might have on an individual with co-occurring difficulties is unknown. Therefore, we utilized a questionnaire to survey the lived experience of adults with DCD and parents of children with DCD with the specific objectives of describing behaviors exhibited by adults and children with DCD (the latter reported by parents) at the roadside and to determine the how these individuals perceive road crossing actions. For each of these we compared different co-occurrence groups. We also had one final objective which was not focused on road crossing but more on the general perception of accidents and unrealistic optimism. Individuals with co-occurrences which have previously been linked to unsafe crossing behaviors (i.e., ADHD, ASD, and LD) reported a greater regularity of dangerous looking behavior (forgetting to look, running without looking) and visibility (crossing between cars, crossing when you can't see), these adults and the parents of these children were seemingly aware of the risky nature of these behaviors. When asked "why" crossing ability might be different, perceptual and motor difficulties alongside heightened awareness of risk and lowered awareness of risk were all cited by participants. Unrealistic optimism was not an explanation for the risky behavior in adults with DCD and in fact, these adults demonstrated a clear understanding of the likelihood of accidents. The findings of this study suggest that road crossing is perceived to be more challenging for both children and adults with DCD and this needs to be taken into account when considering remediation for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Wilmut
- Perception and Motion Analysis Lab, Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Purcell
- School of Healthcare Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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26
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Grant BF, Shmulewitz D, Compton WM. Nicotine Use and DSM-IV Nicotine Dependence in the United States, 2001-2002 and 2012-2013. Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:1082-1090. [PMID: 32791895 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19090900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nationally representative data on changes in 12-month prevalences of nicotine use, DSM-IV nicotine dependence, and DSM-IV nicotine dependence among users were analyzed to test the "hardening hypothesis," which proposes that declines in nicotine use resulting from population-level control measures leave a growing proportion of highly dependent users. METHODS Data were derived from two nationally representative surveys of U.S. adults: the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC, N=43,093) and the 2012-2013 NESARC-III (N=36,309). Weighted estimates of nicotine use, DSM-IV nicotine dependence, and an approximation of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence were compared for the 2001-2002 NESARC and 2012-2013 NESARC-III among the overall population and among nicotine users. Adjusted risk differences were obtained from logistic regression analyses using the predicted marginal approach. RESULTS Between the 2001-2002 and 2012-2013 surveys, rates of 12-month nicotine use declined slightly (from 27.7% to 26.9%), but increased slightly but significantly when adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics (adjusted risk difference=1.4%). Larger significant increases were seen in 12-month nicotine dependence (adjusted risk difference=2.6%) and nicotine dependence among users (adjusted risk difference=6.4%). With few exceptions, increases in nicotine use, nicotine dependence, and nicotine dependence among users were statistically significant across most sociodemographic subgroups. Notable increases were seen among men; middle and older age groups; whites, blacks, and Hispanics; and the socioeconomically disadvantaged. CONCLUSIONS Smaller increases in 12-month nicotine use relative to larger increases in 12-month nicotine dependence and nicotine dependence among users suggests that increases in nicotine dependence between the 2001-2002 and 2012-2013 surveys are findings that support the hardening hypothesis. Vulnerable subgroups of the population in terms of hardening were identified who would benefit from targeted nicotine dependence intervention programs to help them in overcoming dependence and quitting nicotine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget F Grant
- FedPoint Systems, Fairfax, Va. (Grant); Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Shmulewitz); and NIDA, Bethesda, Md. (Compton)
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- FedPoint Systems, Fairfax, Va. (Grant); Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Shmulewitz); and NIDA, Bethesda, Md. (Compton)
| | - Wilson M Compton
- FedPoint Systems, Fairfax, Va. (Grant); Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Shmulewitz); and NIDA, Bethesda, Md. (Compton)
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27
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Tan C, Lin L, Lim M, Ong SK, Wong ML, Lee JK. Tobacco use patterns and attitudes in Singapore young male adults serving military national service: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e039367. [PMID: 32988949 PMCID: PMC7523193 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore tobacco use patterns and factors influencing tobacco use in young Singaporean men serving military national service. METHODS A qualitative study using in-depth telephone interviews and maximum variation sampling was conducted with 29 Singaporean men who have completed their national service in 2017-2018. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS More than half (51.7%) of the participants started smoking before age 18, with a mean age of smoking initiation at 16 years. At the individual level, the two main contributing factors to tobacco use were smoking as a coping mechanism, and physical or psychological addiction. Financial concern was reported as the key motivation to quit smoking. At the interpersonal level, peers and superiors played an influential role in the smoking habits of the participants. When superiors took additional measures against smoking behaviours, it contributed to their decision to smoke less. At the organisation level, some unintended consequences were reported as a result of the strict tobacco control measures implemented by the military, such as the designated smoking areas within the camps become regarded as an area for socialisation. CONCLUSION Informed by the Socio-Ecological Model, this study has provided insights into the multifaceted and interactive effect of individual, interpersonal and organisational factors that influence tobacco use in young men serving military national service in the Singapore and Asian context. The study insights provided an understanding of the local context before designing programmes or changing regulations to further discourage tobacco usage in the military.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive Tan
- Headquarters Medical Corps, Singapore Armed Forces Medical Corps, Singapore
- National University Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore
| | - Lavinia Lin
- National University Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore
| | - Mervyn Lim
- Headquarters Medical Corps, Singapore Armed Forces Medical Corps, Singapore
- National University Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore
| | - Seeu Kun Ong
- Headquarters Medical Corps, Singapore Armed Forces Medical Corps, Singapore
| | - Mee-Lian Wong
- National University Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore
| | - Jeong Kyu Lee
- National University Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore
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Finney Rutten LJ, Blake KD, Skolnick VG, Davis T, Moser RP, Hesse BW. Data Resource Profile: The National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Int J Epidemiol 2020; 49:17-17j. [PMID: 31038687 PMCID: PMC7124481 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyz083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly D Blake
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Victoria G Skolnick
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Terisa Davis
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology Practice, Westat, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Richard P Moser
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bradford W Hesse
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Shoots-Reinhard B, Erford B, Romer D, Evans AT, Shoben A, Klein EG, Peters E. Numeracy and memory for risk probabilities and risk outcomes depicted on cigarette warning labels. Health Psychol 2020; 39:721-730. [PMID: 32496078 DOI: 10.1037/hea0000879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Greater numeracy is associated with higher likelihood to quit smoking. We examined whether numeracy supports learning of numeric health-risk information and, in turn, greater risk perceptions and quit intentions. METHOD Adult smokers (N = 696) viewed text warnings with numeric risk information four times each in one of three warning-label types (text-only, low-emotion pictorial [i.e., with image], high-emotion pictorial). They completed posttest measures immediately or 6 weeks later. Emotional reactions to warnings were reported the second time participants viewed the warnings. Numeracy, memory for risk probabilities and risk outcomes, risk perceptions, and quit intentions were assessed postexposures. RESULTS Memory for risk probabilities and risk outcomes depended on warning-label type and posttest timing. Consistent with memory-consolidation theory, memory for high- versus low-emotion labels was lower immediately, but declined less for high-than low-emotion labels. Label memory was similar between conditions at 6 weeks. Numeracy predicted overall superior memory (especially for risk probabilities) controlling for health literacy and education. It also indirectly predicted greater risk perceptions and quit intentions via memory. In exploratory analyses, however, the superior recall of risk probabilities of smoking among those higher in numeracy was associated with lower risk perceptions. CONCLUSIONS Numeracy is associated with superior risk memory, which relates to greater risk perceptions and quit intentions. More numerate and educated smokers may be better able to quit due to their superior learning of smoking's risks. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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30
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Park T, Ju I, Ohs JE, Hinsley A. Optimistic bias and preventive behavioral engagement in the context of COVID-19. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 17:1859-1866. [PMID: 33317765 PMCID: PMC7836537 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents a global crisis. To remain safe, individuals must take preventive measures. Health behavior theories suggest that perceived risk is a key determinant of engagement in preventive behavior. People often underestimate their risk for disease compared with similar others’, a phenomenon known as optimistic bias (OB). Objective This study aimed to explore how OB affected individuals' engagement in COVID-19 preventive behavior/intentions. Based on health behavior theories, this study considered risk perception and risk response as mediators of the relationship between OB and individuals’ preventive health behaviors and intentions. Methods This study used a cross-sectional survey design. Online survey platforms were used to recruit U.S. adults. A total of 293 valid responses were included in the analyses. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship of OB to the respondents’ health information seeking intention and related behavioral outcomes. Results Results from the first regression model showed that OB was negatively related to risk perception. In other words, optimistically biased respondents perceived their risk of COVID-19 to be low. The second model demonstrated that perceived risk was related positively to affective responses to risk (e.g., worry and fear). That is, the lower their perceived risk of COVID-19, the less likely respondents were to feel anxiety and fear about this disease. Models 3 and 4 revealed positive relationships between risk response and respondents’ intentions and behaviors. Finally, the results supported a fully mediated pathway: OB → risk perception → risk response → information seeking intention and behavioral outcomes. Conclusions The study findings suggest that by decreasing their perceived risk and subsequent responses, optimistic bias can undermine individuals’ motivation to take precautions. To reduce this bias, the actual risk of COVID-19 should be reinforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehwan Park
- Pharmacy Administration and Public Health, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Ilwoo Ju
- Brian Lamb School of Communication, College of Liberal Arts, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jennifer E Ohs
- Department of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Amber Hinsley
- Department of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
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31
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Soofi M, Najafi F, Karami-Matin B. Using Insights from Behavioral Economics to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2020; 18:345-350. [PMID: 32435987 PMCID: PMC7239690 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-020-00595-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a public health emergency of international concern. The number of COVID-infected individuals and related deaths continues to rise rapidly. Encouraging people to adopt and sustain preventive behaviors is a central focus of public health policies that seek to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Public health policy needs improved methods to encourage people to adhere to COVID-19-preventive behaviors. In this paper, we introduce a number of insights from behavioral economics that help explain why people may behave irrationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, present bias, status quo bias, framing effect, optimism bias, affect heuristic, and herding behavior are discussed. We hope this paper will shed light on how insights from behavioral economics can enrich public health policies and interventions in the fight against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moslem Soofi
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Farid Najafi
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Behzad Karami-Matin
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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van Mourik DJA, Nagelhout GE, Willemsen MC, van den Putte B, de Vries H. Differences in smokers' awareness of the health risks of smoking before and after introducing pictorial tobacco health warnings: findings from the 2012-2017 international tobacco control (ITC) Netherlands surveys. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:512. [PMID: 32381050 PMCID: PMC7206780 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08667-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As of May 2016, pictorial health warnings (PHWs) showing the harms of smoking were implemented in the European Union. After one year they had to be fully implemented. We studied changes in awareness of the health risks of smoking after implementation of PHWs among smokers from the Netherlands, whether the trend before the implementation changed after the implementation, and whether there were differences between subgroups. Methods We used survey data from six yearly waves of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Netherlands Survey from 2012 to 2017. The number of participating smokers ranged between 1236 and 1604 per wave. Data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) analyses. Results Indicators of awareness of the health risks of smoking that did not change between 2015 and 2017 were perceived susceptibility (β = 0.043, p = 0.059) and perceived severity (β = − 0.006, p = 0.679) regarding lung problems. Perceived susceptibility, however, was more pronounced between 2015 and 2017 than between 2012 and 2015(p value of interaction: p = 0.044). Noticing information about the dangers of smoking (β = 0.119, p < 0.001) and knowledge about the health risks of smoking (β = 0.184, p < 0.001) increased between 2015 and 2017. These increases were both more pronounced when compared to 2012–2015 (p values of interactions: p = 0.002 and p < 0.001 respectively). Compared to high educated smokers, low educated smokers (β = − 1.137, p < 0.001) and moderate educated smokers (β = − 0.894, p < 0.001) were less knowledgeable about the health risks of smoking in 2016 and 2017. Conclusions Introducing PHWs coincided with an increase in smokers’ knowledge about the health risks of smoking. Dutch tobacco control policy and campaigns should focus on improving Dutch smokers’ awareness of the health risks of smoking even more, especially among low educated smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk-Jan A van Mourik
- Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University (CAPHRI), PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Gera E Nagelhout
- Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University (CAPHRI), PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Family Medicine, Maastricht University (CAPHRI), Maastricht, the Netherlands.,IVO Research Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Marc C Willemsen
- Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University (CAPHRI), PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Netherlands Expertise Center for Tobacco Control (NET), Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bas van den Putte
- Netherlands Expertise Center for Tobacco Control (NET), Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Communication, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hein de Vries
- Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University (CAPHRI), PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Alternative flavored and unflavored tobacco product use and cigarette quit attempts among current smokers experiencing homelessness. Addict Behav Rep 2020; 12:100280. [PMID: 32637560 PMCID: PMC7330871 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost two-thirds of participants used alternative tobacco products. Cigars, blunts, and e-cigarettes most commonly used alternative tobacco products. Most cigar and e-cigarette users used fruit-flavored tobacco products. Discordance found between perceptions of addiction/harm and alternative tobacco use. Alternative tobacco product use was not associated with a past-year quit attempt.
Introduction Alternative tobacco product (ATP) use is common in the general population; however, few studies have explored ATP among individuals experiencing homelessness. We recruited individuals experiencing homelessness who were current cigarette smokers to explore flavored and unflavored ATP use and its association with past-year cigarette quit attempts. Methods Using time-location sampling, we recruited participants from eight service sites in San Francisco, CA between December 2017 and July 2018. We explored type of ATP use and perceptions of product addiction, harm and risk between cigarette-only smokers and those who used cigarettes and ATPs (‘ATP users’). We used logistic regression to examine the association between ATP and past-year quit attempts, adjusting for demographics, substance use disorders, depressive symptoms, and cigarette use characteristics. Results Among the 470 participants, 34.5% were cigarette-only users and 65.5% were ATP users. Among ATP users, 74.0% used cigars and 29.8% used e-cigarettes in the past month, with fruit-flavored products being the most common. ATP users were more likely to perceive cigars, blunts, and smokeless tobacco to be quite to extremely harmful or addictive compared to cigarette-only users. ATP use was not associated with past-year quit attempts, whereas hazardous alcohol use (OR = 2.07; CI 1.07–4.02) was associated with higher odds and and amphetamine use (OR = 0.50; CI 0.26–0.98) was associated with lower odds of past-year attempts. Conclusions High rates of ATP use highlight a need for studies that explore motivations for use, beyond use as a smoking cessation aid, among people experiencing homelessness.
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Relationships Between Smoking Status and Psychological Distress, Optimism, and Health Environment Perceptions at Time of Diagnosis of Actual or Suspected Lung Cancer. Cancer Nurs 2020. [PMID: 29538022 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While much research and practice resources have addressed smoking cessation among cancer patients, less emphasis has been placed on personal psychological and environment factors associated with smoking at the time of diagnosis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine differences in psychological distress, optimism, and perceptions of the health environment/illness experience based on smoking status in patients with current, former, and no smoking history with newly diagnosed suspected or actual lung cancer. METHODS Data were derived from a descriptive study of 52 patients (34 men and 18 women aged 37-83 years) undergoing diagnostic evaluation for actual or suspected lung cancer. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize data. Analysis of variance, χ, and Spearman correlation tests were used to determine relationships among main study variables (smoking status, anxiety, worry, perceived cognitive functioning, optimistic outlook, health environment/illness experience perceptions). RESULTS Current smoking status was associated with higher psychological distress (anxiety and worry) among patients facing a new suspected or actual cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The study was able to provide important information relative to smoking status and psychological distress at the time of diagnosis of suspected or actual lung cancer. Findings demonstrate needs for assessment and targeted interventions to reduce psychological distress and to promote long-term adaptation in patients smoking at time of diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Nurses are positioned to provide support and resources for cancer patients. It is critical that smoking cessation interventions also address nicotine craving, emotion regulation, and adaptive coping skills.
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Networked collective intelligence improves dissemination of scientific information regarding smoking risks. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227813. [PMID: 32027656 PMCID: PMC7004329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial investments in public health campaigns, misunderstanding of health-related scientific information is pervasive. This is especially true in the case of tobacco use, where smokers have been found to systematically misperceive scientific information about the negative health effects of smoking, in some cases leading smokers to increase their pro-smoking bias. Here, we extend recent work on 'networked collective intelligence' by testing the hypothesis that allowing smokers and nonsmokers to collaboratively evaluate anti-smoking advertisements in online social networks can improve their ability to accurately assess the negative health effects of tobacco use. Using Amazon's Mechanical Turk, we conducted an online experiment where smokers and nonsmokers (N = 1600) were exposed to anti-smoking advertisements and asked to estimate the negative health effects of tobacco use, either on their own or in the presence of peer influence in a social network. Contrary to popular predictions, we find that both smokers and nonsmokers were surprisingly inaccurate at interpreting anti-smoking messages, and their errors persisted if they continued to interpret these messages on their own. However, smokers and nonsmokers significantly improved in their ability to accurately interpret anti-smoking messages by sharing their opinions in structured online social networks. Specifically, subjects in social networks reduced the error of their risk estimates by over 10 times more than subjects who revised solely based on individual reflection (p < 0.001, 10 experimental trials in total). These results suggest that social media networks may be used to activate social learning that improves the public's ability to accurately interpret vital public health information.
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36
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Sweet L, Brasky TM, Cooper S, Doogan N, Hinton A, Klein EG, Nagaraja H, Quisenberry A, Xi W, Wewers ME. Quitting Behaviors Among Dual Cigarette and E-Cigarette Users and Cigarette Smokers Enrolled in the Tobacco User Adult Cohort. Nicotine Tob Res 2019; 21:278-284. [PMID: 30346585 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/nty222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined quitting behaviors among a cohort of dual users (cigarettes and electronic cigarettes [e-cigarettes]) and exclusive cigarette smokers for: (1) cigarette smoking reduction, (2) quit attempts, (3) abstinence from cigarettes, and (4) abstinence from all tobacco products. METHODS Participants enrolled in the Tobacco User Adult Cohort and categorized as "daily" user of cigarettes and "daily" or "some days per week" use of e-cigarettes (ie, dual users; n = 88) or "daily" user of cigarettes only (ie, cigarette smokers; n = 617) served as the analytic sample. Participants were interviewed face to face every 6 months, through 18 months. Data on self-reported current product(s) used, cessation interest, quit attempts and abstinence from cigarettes, and all tobacco products were collected. RESULTS No difference in reduction of cigarette consumption over time was noted between groups. Rates of reporting an attempt to quit all tobacco products (≥ 24 hours of not using any tobacco in an attempt to quit) also did not differ by group. Compared to cigarette smokers, dual users were more likely to report abstinence from cigarettes at 6 months (OR = 2.54, p = .045) but not at 12 or 18 months. There was no significant difference in abstinence from all tobacco products by group at 6, 12, or 18 months. CONCLUSIONS Although dual use of e-cigarettes has been cited as a potential cessation tool for cigarette smokers, our findings indicated that this association was only observed in the short term. We also found no evidence of any association between dual use and eventual abstinence from all tobacco products. IMPLICATIONS Our study observed that, in the natural environment, dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes were more likely than cigarette smokers to quit cigarettes in the short term but no more likely to quit using cigarettes and all tobacco products over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sweet
- Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Theodore M Brasky
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.,Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Ohio State University Columbus, OH
| | - Sarah Cooper
- Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.,Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Ohio State University Columbus, OH
| | - Nathan Doogan
- Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.,Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Ohio State University Columbus, OH
| | - Alice Hinton
- Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Ohio State University Columbus, OH.,Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Elizabeth G Klein
- Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.,Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Ohio State University Columbus, OH
| | - Haikady Nagaraja
- Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Ohio State University Columbus, OH.,Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Amanda Quisenberry
- Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.,Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Ohio State University Columbus, OH
| | - Wenna Xi
- Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Ohio State University Columbus, OH.,Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Mary Ellen Wewers
- Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.,Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Ohio State University Columbus, OH
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Marin S, Heshmatian E, Nadrian H, Fakhari A, Mohammadpoorasl A. Associations between optimism, tobacco smoking and substance abuse among Iranian high school students. Health Promot Perspect 2019; 9:279-284. [PMID: 31777707 PMCID: PMC6875553 DOI: 10.15171/hpp.2019.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Optimism is known to be associated with many health behaviors. However, the associations between optimism, tobacco smoking and substance abuse in adolescents are not well documented. This study aimed to address this research gap in a large school-based population. Methods: Participants (N = 1104) were selected based on multi-stage cluster sampling method. Cigarette and hookah smoking behaviors, illicit drug use, optimism, and relevant covariates were measured using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression. Results: After adjustment, higher optimism score was a protective factor against being situated in advanced stages of cigarette smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.84-0.91), hookah smoking (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88-0.94), and illicit drugs usage (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85-0.95). Moreover, the results showed that negative-stability and negative-globality domains of optimism were significantly higher among advanced-stage smokers and illicit drug users. Conclusion: Optimism was found to be a protective factor against tobacco smoking and substance abuse; whereas pessimism (negative-stability and negative-globality) was found to be a determinant factor. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of optimism on the transition in cigarette and hookah smoking stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudabeh Marin
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Heshmatian
- Department of Health Education, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Haidar Nadrian
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Fakhari
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asghar Mohammadpoorasl
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Hawari FI, Obeidat NA, Abu Alhalawa M, Al-Busaidi Z, Amara B, Baddar S, Elhabiby M, Elkholy H. Respiratory health and quality of life in young exclusive, habitual smokers - a comparison of waterpipe smokers, cigarette smokers and non-smokers. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2019; 14:1813-1824. [PMID: 31496680 PMCID: PMC6698154 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s205050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Waterpipe (WP) use has become a global trend in young populations. However, there are few well-controlled studies focusing specifically on the chronic effects of exclusive WP use on young adults’ respiratory health. We sought to compare in young adults the burden of respiratory symptoms in regular WP smokers (WPS) relative to regular cigarette smokers (CS, positive controls) and non-smokers (negative controls); and to evaluate differences in health-related quality of life between the three groups. Method We implemented a cross-sectional survey in college campuses across four countries (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Oman). Purposive sampling was employed to identify habitual (regular) healthy WPS (smoked 3 or more WP per week for 3 or more years); CS (smoked 5 or more cigarettes daily for 3 or more years); and non-smokers. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using the European Community Respiratory Health Survey and the American Thoracic Society and the Division of Lung Diseases Questionnaire. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Short-Form 12. Demographic, environmental and lifestyle factors also were measured. Result The analytic sample included 135 WPS, 303 CS, and 300 non-smokers. Either tobacco group had significantly greater proportions of males than the non-smoker group. A significantly lower proportion of non-smokers (than either tobacco group) was overweight or obese. Average numbers of reported respiratory symptoms were 5.1, 5.8, and 2.9 in WPS, CS, and non-smokers, respectively. In multivariable regressions controlling for environmental exposures, body mass index, and physical activity, WPS and CS exhibited significantly higher rates of respiratory symptoms than non-smokers (1.6 times greater and 1.9 times greater rate of respiratory symptoms than non-smokers, respectively). Non-smokers reported significantly higher scores for general health relative to either WPS or CS. Conclusion Relative to their young non-smoking counterparts, young habitual WPS exhibit a significant burden of respiratory symptoms that is comparable to that observed with CS. Young WPS (and CS), despite their age, may be well on their way to developing respiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- F I Hawari
- Cancer Control Office, King Hussein Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Jordan , Amman, Jordan
| | - N A Obeidat
- Cancer Control Office, King Hussein Cancer Center , Amman, Jordan
| | - M Abu Alhalawa
- Cancer Control Office, King Hussein Cancer Center , Amman, Jordan
| | - Z Al-Busaidi
- Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - B Amara
- Faculty of Medicine, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - S Baddar
- Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - M Elhabiby
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - H Elkholy
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Morgan J, Reidy J, Probst T. Age Group Differences in Household Accident Risk Perceptions and Intentions to Reduce Hazards. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16122237. [PMID: 31242609 PMCID: PMC6616889 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16122237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Very little is known about the extent to which seemingly vulnerable younger and older adults appraise household risks and relatedly whether safety information focused on raising risk awareness influences intentions to reduce hazards in the home. The present study assessed age differences in accident experience, risk attitudes, household accident risk perceptions, comparative optimism, personal control, efficacy judgements, and intentions to remove household hazards. It also examined the predictors of these intentions. Thirty-eight younger adults (aged 18 to 25) and forty older adults (aged 65 to 87) completed study booklets containing all measures. There were significant age group differences for all accident experience and risk-related variables. Younger adults experienced more accidents, had riskier attitudes, and had significantly lower cognitive risk perceptions (i.e., they were less likely to be injured due to a household accident). They also had lower affective risk perceptions (i.e., they were less worried) about their accident risk and perceived more personal control over the risk compared with older adults. Young adults were comparatively optimistic about their risk while older adults were pessimistic. Older adults had higher response efficacy and intentions to reduce hazards in the home. Only worry, response efficacy, and risk attitudes predicted intention, however, these relationships were not moderated by age or efficacy appraisal. Although tentative theoretical and practical implications are presented, further research is required in order to better understand the objective and subjective risk associated with household accidents, and to determine the factors that may improve safety, particularly for those most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Morgan
- Psychology Group, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK.
| | - John Reidy
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK.
| | - Tahira Probst
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA.
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Klein EG, Quisenberry AJ, Shoben AB, Romer D, Peters E. The Influence of Health Numeracy and Health Warning Label Type on Smoking Myths and Quit-Related Reactions. Nicotine Tob Res 2019; 21:974-978. [PMID: 30285145 PMCID: PMC6588388 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/nty207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health numeracy helps individuals understand risk information, but limited data exist concerning numeracy's role in reactions to varying types of health warning labels (HWLs) for cigarettes. METHODS A nationally representative online panel of adult current smokers received two exposures (1 week apart) to nine HWLs with either text-only or pictorial images with identical mandated text. Following the second exposure, participants (n = 594) rated their beliefs in smoking myths (eg, health-promoting behaviors can undo the risks of smoking) and how much the warnings made them want to quit smoking. Generalized estimating equation regression examined the relation of objective health numeracy and its interaction with HWL type to smoking-myth beliefs and quit-related reactions. RESULTS Health numeracy was not significantly associated with smoking-myth beliefs; the interaction with HWL type was also nonsignificant. Adult smokers with lower health numeracy had higher quit-related reactions than those with higher numeracy following exposure to HWLs. The type of HWL significantly modified numeracy's associations with quit-related reactions; no significant association existed between text-only HWLs and quit-related reactions, whereas among those who viewed the pictorial warnings, lower numeracy was associated with greater quit-related reactions (β = -.23; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Lower as compared to higher health numeracy was significantly associated with higher quit-related reactions to HWLs and especially with pictorial HWLs. Health numeracy and HWL type were not associated with the endorsement of smoking myths. The role of health numeracy in effectively communicating risks to smokers warrants thoughtful consideration in the development of tobacco HWLs. IMPLICATIONS Health numeracy plays an important role in an individual's ability to understand and respond to health risks. Smokers with lower health numeracy had greater quit-related reactions to pictorial health warnings than those who viewed text-only warning labels. Development and testing of health warning labels should consider health numeracy to most effectively communicate risk to US smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Klein
- Division of Health Behavior & Health Promotion, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Amanda J Quisenberry
- Division of Health Behavior & Health Promotion, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Abigail B Shoben
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Dan Romer
- Annenberg Public Policy Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ellen Peters
- Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Jun J, Kim SH, Wu L. Tobacco Risk Information and Comparative Risk Assessment of E-Cigarettes Vs. Cigarettes: Application of the Reinforcing Spirals Model. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2019; 24:422-431. [PMID: 31210588 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2019.1630526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We examine how individuals seek information about e-cigarette risk and selectively expose themselves to media sources that may provide information consistent with their existing beliefs and behaviors related to e-cigarettes in application of the Reinforcing Spirals Model (Slater, 2007). Additionally, the associations among e-cigarette risk information-seeking, tobacco risk information exposure via media, and comparative risk assessment of e-cigarettes versus conventional cigarettes were identified. The results were compared among current users, former users, and those who had never used e-cigarettes ("never users"). A nationally representative data from the 2017 Health Information National Trends Surveys - FDA was employed. Our analyses suggest the presence of comparative risk perception among current users as assessing the health harm and addiction risk of e-cigarettes significantly lower than cigarettes. Current users did not avoid information about the health effects of e-cigarettes; they were more likely to look for such information than former and never users. Current users' e-cigarette risk information-seeking was negatively associated with the difference between perceived addiction risk of e-cigarettes and that of cigarettes. Current users' tobacco risk information exposure via social media was related with a lower level of the perceived risk of e-cigarettes, while such exposure via news media was related with a higher level of perceived risk of e-cigarettes. Our findings suggest the need for regulating and counteracting the prevalent e-cigarette information that discounts the relative risks of e-cigarettes as well as the potential of news media as influential sources helping current users scrutinize the risks.
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Turbitt E, Roberts MC, Taber JM, Waters EA, McNeel TS, Biesecker BB, Klein WMP. Genetic counseling, genetic testing, and risk perceptions for breast and colorectal cancer: Results from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Prev Med 2019; 123:12-19. [PMID: 30817954 PMCID: PMC7321923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We examined what proportion of the U.S. population with no personal cancer history reported receiving either genetic counseling or genetic testing for cancer risk, and also the association of these behaviors with cancer risk perceptions. We used data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Objective relative risk scores for breast (women) and colorectal (men and women) cancer risk were generated for individuals without a personal history of cancer. Participants' risk perceptions were compared with their objective relative risk. Of 12,631 women, 1.2% reported receiving genetic counseling and 0.8% genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer risk. Of 15,085 men and women, 0.8% reported receiving genetic counseling and 0.3% genetic testing for hereditary colorectal cancer risk. Higher breast cancer risk perception was associated with genetic counseling (OR: 4.31, 95%CI: 2.56, 7.26) and testing (OR: 3.56, 95%CI: 1.80, 7.03). Similarly, higher perception of colorectal cancer risk was associated with genetic counseling (OR: 5.04, 95%CI: 2.57, 9.89) and testing (OR: 5.92, 95%CI: 2.40, 14.63). A higher proportion of individuals with colorectal cancer risk perceptions concordant with their objective risk (vs. discordant) had undergone genetic counseling or testing for colorectal cancer risk. Concordant risk perceptions for breast cancer were not associated with breast cancer genetic counseling or testing. Given frequent dialogue about implementing population level programs involving genetic services for cancer risk, policy makers and investigators should consider the role of risk perceptions in the effectiveness and design of such programs and potential strategies for addressing inaccuracies in risk perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Turbitt
- National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States of America; University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Megan C Roberts
- National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States of America
| | | | - Erika A Waters
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Timothy S McNeel
- Information Management Services, Inc., Calverton, MD, United States of America
| | - Barbara B Biesecker
- Research Triangle Institute, International, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - William M P Klein
- National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States of America; National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States of America
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Hatfield J, Boufous S, Eveston T. An evaluation of the effects of an innovative school-based cycling education program on safety and participation. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2019; 127:52-60. [PMID: 30831538 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cycling education programs for children could play a role in promoting both cycling participation and cycling safety, and they exist in many countries - often in school settings. Evaluations have generally shown improvements in skills and knowledge, but effects on less-researched outcomes such as safety-related behaviour, crashes or injuries, cycling participation, and cycling confidence, are unclear. The present research evaluated Safe Cycle, an innovative Australian school-based program that addresses hazard awareness and overconfidence in addition to more typical content (e.g. handling skills), in terms of a comprehensive range of outcomes. Students from Years 4 to 8 (n = 108) completed online surveys in class before, immediately after, and approximately 14 weeks after, the 8-week program was delivered. Significant increases in knowledge and confidence were observed, while results also suggested increases in cycling participation. The program appeared to address illusory invulnerability effectively, but there was no evidence that the program improved safety-relevant cycling behaviours or experience of crashes. The benefits of Safe Cycle might be enhanced by including elements to increase motivation to perform safety-relevant behaviours and durability of program effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hatfield
- Transport and Road Safety [TARS] Research, The University of NSW, Australia.
| | - S Boufous
- Transport and Road Safety [TARS] Research, The University of NSW, Australia
| | - T Eveston
- ACT Education and Training Directorate, Australia
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Hall DL, Neil JM, Ostroff JS, Hawari S, O'Cleirigh C, Park ER. Perceived cancer-related benefits of quitting smoking and associations with quit intentions among recently diagnosed cancer patients. J Health Psychol 2019; 26:831-842. [PMID: 31035808 DOI: 10.1177/1359105319845131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
One third of smokers diagnosed with cancer continue smoking, perhaps due to low perceived cancer-related benefits of cessation. To examine perceived cancer-related benefits of quitting among newly diagnosed cancer patients who smoke and associations with quit intentions, baseline measures from patients (N = 303) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial were analyzed using hierarchical regression models and bootstrapping. Higher perceived cancer-related benefits of quitting were associated with having a smoking-related cancer and less education. Perceived cancer-related benefits of quitting and quit intentions were positively correlated, particularly among patients with smoking-related cancers. For smokers with smoking-related cancers, perceived cancer-related benefits of quitting are correlated with quit intentions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Hall
- Massachusetts General Hospital, USA.,Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Jordan M Neil
- Massachusetts General Hospital, USA.,Harvard Medical School, USA
| | | | - Saif Hawari
- Massachusetts General Hospital, USA.,Harvard Medical School, USA
| | | | - Elyse R Park
- Massachusetts General Hospital, USA.,Harvard Medical School, USA
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Cunningham SA, Yu R, Shih T, Giordano S, McNeill LH, Rechis R, Peterson SK, Cinciripini P, Foxhall L, Hawk E, Shete S. Cancer-Related Risk Perceptions and Beliefs in Texas: Findings from a 2018 Population-Level Survey. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2019; 28:486-494. [PMID: 30700446 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-18-0846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer beliefs and perceptions of cancer risk affect the cancer continuum. Identifying underlying factors associated with these beliefs and perceptions in Texas can help inform and target prevention efforts. METHODS We developed a cancer-focused questionnaire and administered it online to a nonprobability sample of the Texas population. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis identified key factors associated with perceptions and beliefs about cancer. RESULTS The study population comprised 2,034 respondents (median age, 44.4 years) of diverse ethnicity: 45.5% were non-Hispanic white, 10.6% non-Hispanic black, and 35.7% Hispanic. Self-reported depression was significantly associated with cancer risk perceptions and cancer beliefs. Those indicating frequent and infrequent depression versus no depression were more likely to believe that: (i) compared to other people their age, they were more likely to get cancer in their lifetime [OR, 2.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.95-4.39 and OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.17-2.74, respectively]; and (ii) when they think about cancer, they automatically think about death (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.56-2.69 and OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.11-1.92, respectively). Frequent depression versus no depression was also associated with agreement that (i) it seems like everything causes cancer (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.26-2.22) and (ii) there is not much one can do to lower one's chance of getting cancer (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09-1.89). Other predictors for perceived cancer risk and/or cancer beliefs were sex, age, ethnicity/race, being born in the United States, marital status, income, body mass index, and smoking. CONCLUSIONS Depression and other predictors are associated with cancer risk perceptions and beliefs in Texas. IMPACT Increased attention to reducing depression may improve cancer risk perceptions and beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia A Cunningham
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Robert Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Tina Shih
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sharon Giordano
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lorna H McNeill
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ruth Rechis
- Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Susan K Peterson
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Paul Cinciripini
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lewis Foxhall
- Office of Health Policy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ernest Hawk
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sanjay Shete
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. .,Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Keage HAD, Loetscher T. Estimating everyday risk: Subjective judgments are related to objective risk, mapping of numerical magnitudes and previous experience. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207356. [PMID: 30517119 PMCID: PMC6281178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate individual differences that associate with peoples' acute risk perception for activities such as walking and giving birth, including objective risk and the mapping of numerical magnitudes. The Amazon Mechanical Turk platform was used, with 284 participants recruited (40% female) ranging between 19 and 68 years. Participants had to indicate the positions of (1) the relative death risk of activities on a horizontal-line with 'very low risk of death' and 'very high risk of death' as left and right anchors respectively and (2), numerical magnitudes on a horizontal-line ranging 0-1000. The MicroMort framework was used to index acute risk of death (one/million chance of dying from an accident). Previous experience with the activities, handedness, along with risk propensity and unrealistic optimism were also measured. Linear mixed-effects modelling was used to investigate predictors of subjective MicroMort judgments. Individuals subjectively judged activities to be riskier if the activity was objectively riskier, if they over-estimated on the numerical task (more so for low-risk activities as compared to high-risk), or if they had not experienced the activity previously. The observed relationship between the number line task and everyday risk judgments is in keeping with the idea of a common magnitude representation system. In conclusion, individuals are able to discriminate between activities varying in risk in an absolute sense, however intuition for judging the relative differences in risk is poor. The relationship between the misjudging of both risks and numerical magnitudes warrants further investigation, as may inform the development of risk communication strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A. D. Keage
- Cognitive Ageing and Impairment Neurosciences, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Tobias Loetscher
- Cognitive Ageing and Impairment Neurosciences, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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McDonald D, Kaufmann A, Haaga DAF. Development and validation of the cigarette smoking consequences looming scale. Addict Behav 2018; 87:238-243. [PMID: 30081352 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Experimental manipulations intended to alter cognitive appraisals of smoking-related threats may affect cigarette smoking and motivation to quit. However, no previous measure has directly assessed perceptions of smoking-related threats as increasing and coming closer in space and/or time (i.e., "looming"). The current research develops such a measure of dynamic smoking-related threat appraisal: the Cigarette Smoking Consequences Looming Scale (CSCLS). METHODS In Study 1 (N = 124 daily smokers), the researchers created an initial, scenario-based version of the CSCLS and refined the measure based on factor analysis. In Study 2, 143 daily smokers completed a condensed CSCLS organized around two factors (Physical and Social consequence of smoking). In each study, participants also completed measures of dispositional looming perception, motivation to quit smoking, and smoking outcome expectancies. RESULTS The CSCLS showed strong internal consistency and concurrent validity in that scores on the measure correlated as expected in both studies with a general tendency to perceive threats as looming, outcome expectancies for smoking, and motivation to quit smoking. CONCLUSIONS Measuring perceptions of smoking-related consequences as looming may provide greater insight into the cognitive factors associated with motivation to quit smoking, which in turn may inform communications about the risks of smoking.
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Wintemberg J, Yu M, Caman OK. Health Warnings, Smoking Rules, and Smoking Status: A Cross-National Comparison of Turkey and the United States. Subst Use Misuse 2018; 53:963-971. [PMID: 29172930 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2017.1387566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare the prevalence of smoking status (i.e., current, former and never) between the United States and Turkey in terms of age and gender, and examine how smoking rules and health warnings are associated with smoking status within and between the two countries. METHODS The study used data from the 2012-2013 National Adult Tobacco Survey (U.S. sample, N = 60,196) and the 2012 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (Turkey sample, N = 9,581). SAS PROC SURVEYLOGISTIC with a weighted variable was used to examine the associations between demographics (age, gender and education), smoking rules, health warnings, and smoking status within and between the two countries. RESULTS There was an 18% current smoking prevalence among U.S. sample, compared to 27% of the Turkey sample. The U.S. sample had a higher rate of former smoking compared to the Turkey sample (25% vs. 22%). In both countries, being older and male gender predicted former smoking while being younger and female gender predicted never smoking. Having seen a health warning, and not allowing smoking in the vehicle and home positively predicted former and never smoking status. Higher education predicted both smoking statuses in the U.S. only. CONCLUSIONS It is important to work with partners particularly in low- and middle-income countries (e.g., Turkey) to combat the global tobacco epidemic. In both counties, cessation endeavors should emphasize a comprehensive understanding of smoking status in terms of smoking rules in personal spaces and health warnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Wintemberg
- a Department of Health Sciences , University of Missouri-Columbia , Columbia , Missouri , USA
| | - Mansoo Yu
- b School of Social Work, Public Health Program , University of Missouri-Columbia , Columbia , Missouri , USA
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Jun J, Nan X. Comparative risk assessment and cessation information seeking among smokeless tobacco users. Addict Behav 2018; 80:14-21. [PMID: 29306721 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This research examined (1) smokeless tobacco users' comparative optimism in assessing the health and addiction risks of their own product in comparison with cigarettes, and (2) the effects of comparative optimism on cessation information-seeking. METHODS A nationally-representative sample from the 2015 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)-FDA was employed. RESULTS The analyses revealed the presence of comparative optimism in assessing both health and addiction risks among smokeless tobacco users. Comparative optimism was negatively correlated with most cessation information-seeking variables. Health bias (the health risk rating gap between the subject's own tobacco product and cigarettes) was associated with decreased intent to use cessation support. However, the health bias and addiction bias (the addiction risk rating gap between the subject's own tobacco product and cigarettes) were not consistent predictors of all cessation information-seeking variables, when covariates of socio-demographics and tobacco use status were included. In addition, positive correlations between health bias and past/recent cessation-information searches were observed. CONCLUSIONS Optimisic biases may negatively influence cessation behaviors not only directly but also indirectly by influencing an important moderator, cessation information-seeking. Future interventions should prioritize dispelling the comparative optimism in perceiving risks of smokeless tobacco use, as well as provide more reliable cessation information specific to smokeless tobacco users.
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Soulakova JN, Crockett LJ. Level of Cigarette Consumption and Duration of Smoking Abstinence During Failed Quit Attempts Among Long-Term Daily Smokers: the Role of Race/Ethnicity and Cessation Aids. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2018; 5:293-303. [PMID: 28444627 PMCID: PMC5656561 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-017-0370-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine whether race/ethnicity and use of smoking cessation aids are associated with the duration of the last serious quit attempt and reductions in cigarette consumption among long-term daily smokers who tried, and failed, to quit smoking during the preceding year. Data came from the 2010-2011 Tobacco Use Supplement survey conducted in the USA, and analyses included 6672 reports of long-term daily smokers (i.e., smokers who smoked daily for 1 year or longer) who made at least one serious quit attempt in the past 12 months. About 39% of these smokers used at least one smoking cessation aid during their last quit attempt. Use of aids was significantly lower for non-Hispanic Black (NHB, 29%) and Hispanic (HISP, 29%) smokers than for non-Hispanic White (NHW, 42%) smokers, possibly due to differences in socioeconomic status and access to healthcare for smoking cessation. The effect of using any aids on mean cigarette reduction and duration of the last long quit attempt (i.e., one that lasted a day or more) was similar across race/ethnicity. Using any aids did not substantially influence mean cigarette reduction but was positively associated with duration of the quit attempt: the duration was 6 days longer (CI = 3:10), on average, when aids were used than when smokers attempted to quit unassisted. Race/ethnicity was significantly associated with mean cigarette reduction (p = 0.023); non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native smokers had the highest mean reduction (of 3 cigarettes, CI = 1:5) among the racial/ethnic groups considered. Use of aids may help increase duration of quit attempts and thus, may increase likelihood of quitting successfully in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia N Soulakova
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA.
| | - Lisa J Crockett
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 315 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0308, USA
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