scholarly journals Bird harvesting practices and knowledge, risk perceptions, and attitudes regarding avian influenza among Canadian First Nations subsistence hunters: implications for influenza pandemic plans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia A. Charania ◽  
Ian D. Martin ◽  
Eric N. Liberda ◽  
Richard Meldrum ◽  
Leonard J. S. Tsuji
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Influenza Pandemic ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background There is concern of avian influenza virus (AIV) infections in humans. Subsistence hunters may be a potential risk group for AIV infections as they frequently come into close contact with wild birds and the aquatic habitats of birds while harvesting. This study aimed to examine if knowledge and risk perception of avian influenza influenced the use of protective measures and attitudes about hunting influenza-infected birds among subsistence hunters. Methods Using a community-based participatory research approach, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with current subsistence hunters (n = 106) residing in a remote and isolated First Nations community in northern Ontario, Canada from November 10–25, 2013. Simple descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the distributions and relationships between variables. Written responses were deductively analyzed. Results ANOVA showed that males hunted significantly more birds per year than did females (F1,96 = 12.1; p = 0.001) and that those who hunted significantly more days per year did not perceive a risk of AIV infection (F1,94 = 4.4; p = 0.040). Hunters engaged in bird harvesting practices that could expose them to AIVs, namely by cleaning, plucking, and gutting birds and having direct contact with water. It was reported that 18 (17.0%) hunters wore gloves and 2 (1.9%) hunters wore goggles while processing birds. The majority of hunters washed their hands (n = 105; 99.1%) and sanitized their equipment (n = 69; 65.1%) after processing birds. More than half of the participants reported being aware of avian influenza, while almost one third perceived a risk of AIV infection while harvesting birds. Participants aware of avian influenza were more likely to perceive a risk of AIV infection while harvesting birds. Our results suggest that knowledge positively influenced the use of a recommended protective measure. Regarding attitudes, the frequency of participants who would cease harvesting birds was highest if avian influenza was detected in regional birds (n = 55; 51.9%). Conclusions Our study indicated a need for more education about avian influenza and precautionary behaviours that are culturally-appropriate. First Nations subsistence hunters should be considered an avian influenza risk group and have associated special considerations included in future influenza pandemic plans.

scholarly journals Bird harvesting practices and knowledge, risk perceptions, and attitudes regarding avian influenza among Canadian First Nations subsistence hunters: implications for influenza pandemic plans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia A. Charania ◽  
Ian D. Martin ◽  
Eric N. Liberda ◽  
Richard Meldrum ◽  
Leonard J. S. Tsuji
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Influenza Pandemic ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background There is concern of avian influenza virus (AIV) infections in humans. Subsistence hunters may be a potential risk group for AIV infections as they frequently come into close contact with wild birds and the aquatic habitats of birds while harvesting. This study aimed to examine if knowledge and risk perception of avian influenza influenced the use of protective measures and attitudes about hunting influenza-infected birds among subsistence hunters. Methods Using a community-based participatory research approach, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with current subsistence hunters (n = 106) residing in a remote and isolated First Nations community in northern Ontario, Canada from November 10–25, 2013. Simple descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the distributions and relationships between variables. Written responses were deductively analyzed. Results ANOVA showed that males hunted significantly more birds per year than did females (F1,96 = 12.1; p = 0.001) and that those who hunted significantly more days per year did not perceive a risk of AIV infection (F1,94 = 4.4; p = 0.040). Hunters engaged in bird harvesting practices that could expose them to AIVs, namely by cleaning, plucking, and gutting birds and having direct contact with water. It was reported that 18 (17.0%) hunters wore gloves and 2 (1.9%) hunters wore goggles while processing birds. The majority of hunters washed their hands (n = 105; 99.1%) and sanitized their equipment (n = 69; 65.1%) after processing birds. More than half of the participants reported being aware of avian influenza, while almost one third perceived a risk of AIV infection while harvesting birds. Participants aware of avian influenza were more likely to perceive a risk of AIV infection while harvesting birds. Our results suggest that knowledge positively influenced the use of a recommended protective measure. Regarding attitudes, the frequency of participants who would cease harvesting birds was highest if avian influenza was detected in regional birds (n = 55; 51.9%). Conclusions Our study indicated a need for more education about avian influenza and precautionary behaviours that are culturally-appropriate. First Nations subsistence hunters should be considered an avian influenza risk group and have associated special considerations included in future influenza pandemic plans.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Female Students in Fukushima Four Years after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinya Ito ◽  
Mie Sasaki ◽  
Satoko Okabe ◽  
Nobuhiro Konno ◽  
Aya Goto
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Radiation Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Female Students ◽  
World Health ◽  
Nuclear Radiation ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Young women in their late teens and early 20s are at the highest risk for depression onset. The present study aimed to assess depressive symptoms among female college students in Fukushima. More specifically, it aimed to clarify factors predicting possible symptom profiles, with an emphasis on determining how nuclear radiation risks affect the reporting of depression symptoms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 310 female students at a college in the Fukushima prefecture, Japan, in December 2015, and 288 participants submitted valid questionnaires. In total, 222 (77.1%) participants lived in Fukushima at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The measures included the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, the Fukushima Future Parents Attitude Measure, and risk perception of radiation health effects. A total of 46.5% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Path analysis revealed that higher radiation risk perceptions and reduced efficacy with reproduction related to a decline in self-esteem and self-efficacy, which was subsequently associated with increased depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of radiation education among children and young adults, both after a nuclear accident and during disaster preparation, particularly in the context of reproductive and mental health.

scholarly journals The four weeks before lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: a weekly serial cross-sectional survey on risk perceptions, knowledge, public trust and behaviour, 3 to 25 March 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (42) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelia Betsch ◽  
Lars Korn ◽  
Tanja Burgard ◽  
Wolfgang Gaissmaier ◽  
Lisa Felgendreff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Trust In Institutions

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, public perceptions and behaviours have had to adapt rapidly to new risk scenarios and radical behavioural restrictions. Aim To identify major drivers of acceptance of protective behaviours during the 4-week transition from virtually no COVID-19 cases to the nationwide lockdown in Germany (3–25 March 2020). Methods A serial cross-sectional online survey was administered weekly to ca 1,000 unique individuals for four data collection rounds in March 2020 using non-probability quota samples, representative of the German adult population between 18 and 74 years in terms of age × sex and federal state (n = 3,910). Acceptance of restrictions was regressed on sociodemographic variables, time and psychological variables, e.g. trust, risk perceptions, self-efficacy. Extraction of homogenous clusters was based on knowledge and behaviour. Results Acceptance of restrictive policies increased with participants’ age and employment in the healthcare sector; cognitive and particularly affective risk perceptions were further significant predictors. Acceptance increased over time, as trust in institutions became more relevant and trust in media became less relevant. The cluster analysis further indicated that having a higher education increased the gap between knowledge and behaviour. Trust in institutions was related to conversion of knowledge into action. Conclusion Identifying relevant principles that increase acceptance will remain crucial to the development of strategies that help adjust behaviour to control the pandemic, possibly for years to come. Based on our findings, we provide operational recommendations for health authorities regarding data collection, health communication and outreach.

Social Comparisons for Following Health Recommendations and Their Relation to Worry and Intentions During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Jason P. Rose ◽  
Keith A. Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Protective Action ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Methodological Choices ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Abstract. Background: During uncertain threatening situations, people make social comparisons that influence self-evaluations, inform decisions, and guide behavior. In 2019, an emerging infectious disease (COVID-19) became a pandemic and resulted in unparalleled public health recommendations (e.g., social distancing, wear masks in public). Aims: The current research examined people’s beliefs about how their own compliance to recommendations compared to others and explored the unique associations between social comparisons, worry, risk perceptions, and intentions for health-protective action. Method: An adult sample of US residents ( N = 452) completed an online, cross-sectional survey about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: First, participants reported better-than-average compliance beliefs. Second, comparative beliefs were positively (and uniquely) associated with intentions for future compliance-related behaviors and general risk-reduction behaviors (e.g., information seeking) – particularly for participants who viewed COVID-19 as threatening. Finally, the relation between comparative beliefs and intentions was indirect through worry (but not risk), though alternative models also achieved support. Limitations: Our findings are limited by our use of a cross-sectional design, methodological choices, and our lack of behavioral measures. Conclusions: Overall, results demonstrate that people are attentive to their comparative levels of compliance behaviors during an infectious disease pandemic. Results are discussed in terms of their theoretical implications and the relevance of social comparisons for self-protective action during a pandemic.

scholarly journals Hotel Employees’ Pro-Environmental Behaviour: Effect of Leadership Behaviour, Institutional Support and Workplace Spirituality

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 4135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olawale Fatoki
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Institutional Support ◽  
Workplace Spirituality ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hotel Employees ◽  
Leadership Behaviour

Pro-environmental behaviours (PEB) depict behaviours that cause minimal harm to or even benefit the environment. Employees are an important stakeholder in organisational environmental initiatives; however, there is little understanding of the leadership mechanisms and workplace support that can nurture these behaviours. In addition, empirical studies on the effect of workplace spirituality on employees’ PEB are limited. Understanding the factors that can influence employees’ workplace PEB is of significance in improving environmental sustainability in the hospitality industry. This study investigated the effect of leadership behaviour, institutional support and workplace spirituality on hotel employees’ PEB in South Africa. This study utilised a quantitative research approach and a causal research design. The cross-sectional survey method was used for data collection. Convenience sampling method was used to identify the participants in the survey. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. The results of this study showed significant positive relationships between leadership behaviour, institutional support and workplace spirituality and hotel employees’ PEB. Theoretically, the study linked spirituality to employees’ workplace PEB as spiritual discourses have been marginalised in tourism research. Empirically, the study adds to the literature on the determinants of employees’ workplace PEB in the hospitality sector. Practically, the study makes recommendations that can improve the workplace PEB of hotel employees.

Perceptions of product advantage, NPD and organisational performance

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Healy ◽  
Ann Ledwith ◽  
Michele O'Dwyer
Keyword(s):  
New Product Development ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
New Product ◽  
Product Performance ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Product Performance

Purpose – This paper aims to extend previous studies on new product development (NPD) performance by identifying the product advantage, new product performance and organisational performance indicators that are considered by small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) to be most relevant to their performance. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a cross-sectional survey of a sample of 137 firms representing the industry sectors active within the Irish economy. The research instrument was based on existing recognised research measures. Findings – The results suggest that: large firms consider that their products derive advantage through product quality and cost, while SMEs are more concerned with satisfying customer needs; larger firms concentrate on market measures in measuring new product performance, while SMEs focus on customer acceptance measures; and in measuring organisational performance larger firms focus on market share and profitability, while SMEs concentrate on profitability and sales growth. Research limitations/implications – This study identifies the aspects of product advantage, new product performance and organisational performance on which firms concentrate, thereby increasing our ability to redirect their focus from what they consider to be important, to what will have an impact on their firm's performance. Originality/value – This study identifies the aspects of product advantage, new product performance and organisational performance on which firms concentrate, thereby increasing our ability to redirect their focus from what they consider to be important, to what will have an impact on their firm's performance.

Attitudes to Living and Working in Pandemic Conditions among Emergency Prehospital Medical Care Personnel

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerrianne Watt ◽  
Vivienne C. Tippett ◽  
Steven G. Raven ◽  
Konrad Jamrozik ◽  
Michael Coory ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Influenza Pandemic ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Apparent Lack ◽  
Infection Transmission ◽  
Prehospital Medical Care

AbstractIntroduction:Little is known about the risk perceptions and attitudes of healthcare personnel, especially of emergency prehospital medical care personnel, regarding the possibility of an outbreak or epidemic event.Problem:This study was designed to investigate pre-event knowledge and attitudes of a national sample of the emergency prehospital medical care providers in relation to a potential human influenza pandemic, and to determine predictors of these attitudes.Methods:Surveys were distributed to a random, cross-sectional sample of 20% of the Australian emergency prehospital medical care workforce (n = 2,929), stratified by the nine services operating in Australia, as well as by gender and location. The surveys included: (1) demographic information; (2) knowledge of influenza; and (3) attitudes and perceptions related to working during influenza pandemic conditions. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to identify predictors of pandemic-related risk perceptions.Results:Among the 725 Australian emergency prehospital medical care personnel who responded, 89% were very anxious about working during pandemic conditions, and 85% perceived a high personal risk associated with working in such conditions. In general, respondents demonstrated poor knowledge in relation to avian influenza, influenza generally, and infection transmission methods. Less than 5% of respondents perceived that they had adequate education/training about avian influenza. Logistic regression analyses indicate that, in managing the attitudes and risk perceptions of emergency prehospital medical care staff, particular attention should be directed toward the paid, male workforce (as opposed to volunteers), and on personnel whose relationship partners do not work in the health industry.Conclusions:These results highlight the potentially crucial role of education and training in pandemic preparedness. Organizations that provide emergency prehospital medical care must address this apparent lack of knowledge regarding infection transmission, and procedures for protection and decontamination. Careful management of the perceptions of emergency prehospital medical care personnel during a pandemic is likely to be critical in achieving an effective response to a widespread outbreak of infectious disease.

Risk perceptions in localized breast cancer (BC).

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9534-9534
Author(s):  
Pallavi Kumar ◽  
Karen Sepucha ◽  
Yuchiao Chang ◽  
Jeffrey Belkora ◽  
Clara N Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Tumor Stage ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Decision Quality ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Absolute Benefit ◽  
The Absolute

9534 Background: Risk perceptions (RP) play an important role in decision making in localized BC. Little is known about RP in the context of adjuvant (adj) therapy decisions. We examined the accuracy of estimate of absolute benefit of adj therapy among patients (pts) with localized BC and sought to identify determinants of accurate RP. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in localized (Stage I-III) BC pts within 3 months after surgery at 4 U.S. cancer centers. Pts completed the Decision Quality Instrument, which includes items on BC knowledge, numerical estimates of benefit of adj therapy, and communication with providers. We analyzed pts with Stage I/II and calculated objective estimates of benefit of adj therapy using Adjuvant! Online. Based on published data, an estimate that was +/- 5% of the calculated risk was considered correct. We used multivariable (MV) regression to identify determinants of accuracy including tumor stage, age, adj treatment, education, total knowledge score, and decision involvement. Results: 192/249 (77.1%) pts completed the survey; analyses were limited to 166 pts stage I/II with complete risk estimate data. Mean age was 56.4 years (SD 12.1), 83% of respondents were white, and 58.5% were college graduates. 56.3% had stage I and 43.7% had stage II disease. Most (95.6%) had some type of adj therapy, either endocrine therapy only (43.2%), chemotherapy only (15.3%), or both (32%). On average, pts estimated the absolute benefit of adj therapy to be 31.8% (SD24.9), and this varied by stage (28.4 and 35.9 for stage I and II, p=0.06). The overall estimate for this sample from Adjuvant! Online was 11.8% (SD 7.67) and this varied by stage (8.6/16.0 for stage I/II respectively, p<0.001). Few pts (18.1%) had accurate estimates and the majority (68.3%) overestimated the benefit. In MV logistic regression analysis, only BC knowledge score was associated with accurate estimate of benefit (OR 1.36 95%CI 1.04, 1.8). No other factors were significantly associated with accuracy. Conclusions: Pts with localized BC overestimated the absolute benefit of adj therapy by an average of 20 percentage points. Some pts may be taking on risks of adj therapy without accurate knowledge of the benefits, calling into question whether these decisions are truly informed.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes and Concussion Information Sources Among First Nations in Ontario

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy Hunt ◽  
Alicja Michalak ◽  
Elaine Johnston ◽  
Chrissy Lefkimmiatis ◽  
Leila Macumber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Translation Strategies ◽  
Knowledge Translation Strategies ◽  
First Nations People ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Youth Hockey

AbstractObjective: Hockey is a popular sport played by many First Nation youth. Concussion frequently goes unrecognized and unreported in youth hockey. Unintentional injuries among Indigenous youth occur at rates three to four times the national Canadian average. The study sought to examine knowledge, attitudes and sources of concussion information among First Nations people attending a provincial hockey tournament. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken. The survey by Mzazik et al. were modified to use in this study. Participants included youth (6-18 years) hockey players (n=75), parents (n=248) and coaches (n=68). The main outcome measure was total knowledge index (TKI) which consisted of the sum of correct responses to 15 multiple choice questions. Additional data gathered included demographics, concussion history, attitudes toward concussion and sources of information. Descriptive statistics included proportion comparisons. Variables were tested using χ2 and analysis of variance. Results: Overall TKI scores (out of a total of 15) were low; players (5.9±2.8), parents (7.5±2.6) and coaches (7.9±2.6). Participants with higher knowledge scores reported more appreciation of the seriousness of concussion. Sources of information about concussion differed by study group, suggesting the need for multiple knowledge translation strategies to reach youth, parents and coaches. Conclusions: Future initiatives are urgently needed to improve education and prevention of concussion in First Nations youth hockey. Collaborating and engaging with communities can help to ensure an Indigenous lens for culturally safe interventions.

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