Information Risk Communication in the Context of Zika Virus: A Pilot Study

Dissemination of information to at-risk populations is essential in any emergency situation. Among many health emergencies, Zika virus is a large-scale health challenge that requires authorities to communicate the risks of the virus, and, potential protective measures to the population. Communication technologies have an important role to play in this effort. Other factors, such as hazard characteristics and warning fatigue, also influence the effectiveness of communication. This article develops an adaptation of the Protective Action Decision Making (PADM) model for a holistic understanding of the technical and nontechnical factors that influence the responses of vulnerable individuals to information about the Zika virus. Investigation of antecedents to vulnerable stakeholders’ response will contribute to the growing literature on information risk communication and emergency responses to potential epidemics.

[1]  Am Major,et al.  Exploring the “Cry Wolf Hypothesis , 1998, International Journal of Mass Emergencies & Disasters.

[2]  Gerald Matthews,et al.  Task-Induced Stress and Individual Differences in Coping , 1998 .

[3]  Jingguo Wang,et al.  Research Note - An Exploration of Risk Characteristics of Information Security Threats and Related Public Information Search Behavior , 2015, Inf. Syst. Res..

[4]  Detmar W. Straub,et al.  A Practical Guide To Factorial Validity Using PLS-Graph: Tutorial And Annotated Example , 2005, Commun. Assoc. Inf. Syst..

[5]  Matthew W. Seeger,et al.  Communication and Organizational Crisis , 2003 .

[6]  K. Witte.  Putting the fear back into fear appeals: The extended parallel process model , 1992 .

[7]  Paul Slovic,et al.  Perception of risk: Reflections on the psychometric paradigm , 1992 .

[8]  Jiuchang Wei,et al.  Anti-nuclear behavioral intentions: The role of perceived knowledge, information processing, and risk perception , 2016 .

[9]  Lucy Popova,et al.  The Extended Parallel Process Model , 2012, Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education.

[10]  Barbara M. Byrne,et al.  Structural equation modeling with EQS : basic concepts, applications, and programming , 2000 .

[11]  Brenda Mackie,et al.  Warning fatigue : Insights from the Australian Bushfire Context , 2014 .

[12]  N. Selwyn.  The information aged: A qualitative study of older adults' use of information and communications technology , 2004 .

[13]  Rd Blanchard-Boehm,et al.  Understanding Public Response to Increased Risk from Natural Hazards: Application of the Hazards Risk Communication Framework , 1998 .

[14]  M. Lindell,et al.  Evacuation planning in emergency management , 1981 .

[15]  Alexander J. Rothman,et al.  Stage theories of health behavior: conceptual and methodological issues. , 1998, Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association.

[16]  Michael K Lindell,et al.  The Protective Action Decision Model: Theoretical Modifications and Additional Evidence , 2012, Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis.

[17]  Rebecca A. Grier,et al.  Fundamental dimensions of subjective state in performance settings: task engagement, distress, and worry. , 2002, Emotion.

[18]  Ronald W. Perry,et al.  Citizen Response to Volcanic Eruptions: The Case of Mt. St. Helens , 1983 .

[19]  Earl J. Baker,et al.  Hurricane Evacuation Behavior , 1991, International Journal of Mass Emergencies & Disasters.