Chiba A, Nakata T, Nguyen TL, Takaku R. COVID-19 risk perceptions in Japan: a cross-sectional study.
Sci Rep 2024;
14:16862. [PMID:
39043714 PMCID:
PMC11266719 DOI:
10.1038/s41598-024-67741-z]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a large-scale online survey in February 2023 to investigate the public's perceptions of COVID-19 infection and fatality risks in Japan. We identified two key findings. First, univariate analysis comparing perceived and actual risk suggested overestimation and nonnegligible underestimation of COVID-19 risk. Second, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that age, income, education levels, health status, information sources, and experiences related to COVID-19 were associated with risk perceptions. Given that risk perceptions are closely correlated with daily socioeconomic activities and well-being, it is important for policy-makers and public health experts to understand how to communicate COVID-19 risk to the public effectively.
Collapse