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The Role of Sociodemographic and Psychological Variables on Risk Perception of the Flu

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  • Elena Commodari

Abstract

Influenza is a source of mortality and morbidity, and vigilance of health authorities for flu viruses is high. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that the first lines of defense against infectious diseases are behavioral, and risk perception affects behavioral measures. This study investigated risk perception of influenza and the role of sociodemographic and psychological variables on perceived risk. Participants were 442 adults. The research was conducted using three measures: an adjustment of the “Risk Perception of Infectious Disease Questionnaire,†the “General Self-Efficacy Scale,†and the short form of the “Italian Personality Inventory.†The results showed that age, education, self-efficacy, and personality influenced risk perception. The evidence that sociodemographic and psychological factors contribute to risk perception of a disease shows the need to take into account these variables in the planning of informative campaigns, with the aim to achieve favorable changes in public behavior. These issues might have implications for the ameliorating health communication efforts and successful response to new influenza outbreaks.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Commodari, 2017. "The Role of Sociodemographic and Psychological Variables on Risk Perception of the Flu," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(3), pages 21582440177, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:7:y:2017:i:3:p:2158244017718890
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244017718890
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Okechukwu D. Anyamele & Saundra M. McFarland & Kenneth Fiakofi, 2022. "The Disparities on Loss of Employment Income by US Households During the COVID-19 Pandemic," Journal of Economics, Race, and Policy, Springer, vol. 5(2), pages 115-133, June.
    3. Christoph Lindner & Ibolya Kotta & Eszter Eniko Marschalko & Kinga Szabo & Kinga Kalcza-Janosi & Jan Retelsdorf, 2022. "Increased Risk Perception, Distress Intolerance and Health Anxiety in Stricter Lockdowns: Self-Control as a Key Protective Factor in Early Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-22, April.
    4. Massimo Bartoli & Nicola Canessa & Giuseppina Elena Cipriani & Stefano F. Cappa & Martina Amanzio, 2021. "The Role of Neuropsychological Factors in Perceived Threat of SARS-CoV-2 in Healthy Ageing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-14, May.
    5. Daniel Lucheș & Despina Saghin & Maria-Magdalena Lupchian, 2021. "Public Perception of the First Major SARS-Cov-2 Outbreak in the Suceava County, Romania," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-16, February.
    6. Dominic H. P. Balog-Way & Darrick Evensen & Ragnar E. Löfstedt, 2020. "Pharmaceutical Benefit–Risk Perception and Age Differences in the USA and Germany," Drug Safety, Springer, vol. 43(11), pages 1141-1156, November.

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