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Fransman W, Otten W, Marquart H, Preuhs K, Willemsen J, Boumann H, Gerritsen R. REACH Worker Exposure Assessments: Ensuring Meaningful Health Risk Communication. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:182-194. [PMID: 36269215 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Within the chemical legislation, REACH was implemented in order to improve safe working conditions with hazardous substances. Literature and real-life experiences by those concerned have shown that there are still gaps with a need for improved risk communication. This study elaborated on how information provided by REACH is understood and acted on by down- and upstream users, and how it can be further improved. METHODS An extensive literature study including 21 studies and 13 tools was carried out. The outcomes were discussed and further supplemented by means of 18 interviews concerning 37 internal safety and REACH documents to build six different use cases representing different Dutch downstream companies. For the upstream perspective also 2 sector organizations and 2 registrants were interviewed. Three online workshops were organized in order to share insights and gather input on international recognition, potential suggestions and further recommendations with 30 participants from nine different EU countries. RESULTS Although the methods to collect the data differed between the different stages of the study, the general results from all three stages elucidated similar themes in the data and each of the stages used the results from the previous stage as a starting point. Recurring themes concerned the (i) complexity of documents, (ii) deficiencies as experienced by SMEs in REACH, (iii) feedback and responsibilities in the supply chain, and (iv) the cooperation between REACH and OSH. DISCUSSION The study at hand revealed that even though there are currently several activities to improve communication on safe-use of chemicals, communication on safe-use in the scope of REACH should be improved. This includes e.g. the future involvement of actual end-users in activities and development related to communication of safe-use information in the scope of REACH including feedback, less complicated and complex documents and clear communication concerning legislations and updates of documents. Furthermore, the issues recognized in the Netherlands are mostly also recognized by international workshop participants, thereby indicating international benefits in various areas by means of improved communication. CONCLUSIONS The study confirmed that many of our generic conclusions were already part of the shared knowledge in the REACH community, but that it is very valuable that this knowledge has been explicated, validated and reported in a structured way in the present project. Besides uncovering some crucial aspects that offer potential improvements regarding risk communication, this study offers possible solutions and next steps to be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Fransman
- Unit Healthy Living, TNO, PO Box 80015, 3508TA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilma Otten
- Unit Healthy Living, TNO, PO Box 80015, 3508TA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Marquart
- Department for Regulatory Services, Triskelion BV, Reactorweg 47-A, 3542 AD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina Preuhs
- Unit Healthy Living, TNO, PO Box 80015, 3508TA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joeri Willemsen
- Unit Healthy Living, TNO, PO Box 80015, 3508TA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henry Boumann
- Department for Regulatory Services, Triskelion BV, Reactorweg 47-A, 3542 AD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianda Gerritsen
- Unit Healthy Living, TNO, PO Box 80015, 3508TA Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Wang X, Tang L, Zhang L, Zheng J. Initial Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Perspective on Health Risk Communications in the Restaurant Industry. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:11961. [PMID: 36231263 PMCID: PMC9565826 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Restaurant online review websites have made changes to adapt to customers' shifting needs during the COVID-19 crisis. Based on information behavior theory and social penetration theory, the present study investigated the changes in customers' emotions and how the volume of online reviews as an indication of sales is impacted by the instructional (i.e., with quantitative variables) and emotional (i.e., with qualitative variables) information on review websites. By comparing the same month (January-April) during 2017-2020, positive sentiment experienced a plunge, while negative sentiment showed an upsurge in April 2020. The volume of reviews was impacted by five quantitative variables (i.e., confirmed COVID-19 case number, food delivery option, takeout option, delivery fee, and delivery time) and seven qualitative variables (i.e., anticipation, fear, trust, anger, disgust, joy, and sadness). This study provides new insight into understanding information content on review websites during the crisis (e.g., pandemic) from the perspective of health risk communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Culture, Creativity and Management, School of Culture and Creativity, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai 519085, China
| | - Liang Tang
- Department of Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management, College of Human Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Linan Zhang
- Department of Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management, College of Human Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management, College of Human Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Allan J, Kleinschafer J, Saksena T, Rahman A, Lawrence J, Lock M. A comparison of rural Australian First Nations and Non-First Nations survey responses to COVID-19 risks and impacts: implications for health communications. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1276. [PMID: 35773669 PMCID: PMC9245509 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13643-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigated differences between rural Australian First Nations and non-First Nations survey respondents’ perceptions of COVID-19-related risks and analysed other variables that could predict an exacerbation of anxiety related to COVID-19 harms. Methods A cross-sectional online and paper survey of rural residents from the western regions of NSW, Australia, was conducted. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were used to assess links between First Nations status and demographic measures including postcode, age, gender, education, rural or town/village location, proximity to medical services and living situation. The analysis included five items related to perceptions about COVID-19: perceived likelihood of contracting COVID-19 in the next 12 months, perceived harmfulness of the virus, how often people felt afraid, perception about respondents’ ability to do something about the virus and perceived economic impacts of the pandemic. Results There were significant differences between First Nations (n=60) and non-First Nations (n= 639) respondents across all sociodemographic categories. The results reflect a significantly higher level of anxiety among the First Nations Australians in the sample: they felt afraid more often, felt it was highly likely they would catch the virus and if they did catch the virus perceived that it would be very harmful. Living with children under eighteen years of age and in small rural towns were key factors linked to feeling afraid of COVID-19 and First Nations status. Conclusion Health risk communication in pandemic response should include an equitable focus on rural areas, recognising that First Nations Australians are a significant proportion of the rural population with different risk factors and concerns than those of non-First Nations Australians. This principle of First Nations-led design is critical to all health policy and planning. The Australian Government should include rural areas in planning pandemic responses, recognising that First Nations populations are a significant proportion of the rural population creating syndemic conditions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13643-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julaine Allan
- University of Wollongong, School of Health and Society, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | | | - Teesta Saksena
- Western NSW Local Health District, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Mark Lock
- University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Brønholt RLL, Langer Primdahl N, Jensen AMB, Verelst A, Derluyn I, Skovdal M. "I Just Want Some Clear Answers": Challenges and Tactics Adopted by Migrants in Denmark When Accessing Health Risk Information about COVID-19. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18178932. [PMID: 34501520 PMCID: PMC8431280 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18178932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Health risk communication plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious disease outbreaks such as the current coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Yet, migrants are far too often forgotten in health risk communication responses. We investigate the challenges and efforts made by migrants in Denmark—in the initial months of the pandemic—to access information about COVID-19. We draw on 18 semi-structured interviews conducted in May and June 2020. All interviews are thematically coded and analyzed. Our analysis reveals that many of the migrants faced several challenges, including accessing information in a language understandable to them and navigating constant streams of official news flows issuing instructions about which actions to take. However, we also note that the participating migrants found numerous creative ways to address some of these challenges, often aided by digital tools, helping them access crucial health and risk information. This paper highlights that migrants constitute an underserved group in times of crises. They are vulnerable to getting left behind in pandemic communication responses. However, we also identify key protective factors, social resources, and agentic capabilities, which help them cope with health and risk information deficits. National governments need to take heed of these findings to inform future pandemic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Luca Lyager Brønholt
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5B, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.L.P.); (A.M.B.J.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-2815-6529
| | - Nina Langer Primdahl
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5B, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.L.P.); (A.M.B.J.); (M.S.)
| | - Anja M. B. Jensen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5B, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.L.P.); (A.M.B.J.); (M.S.)
| | - An Verelst
- Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Ghent University, H. Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (A.V.); (I.D.)
| | - Ilse Derluyn
- Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees, Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Ghent University, H. Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (A.V.); (I.D.)
| | - Morten Skovdal
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5B, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.L.P.); (A.M.B.J.); (M.S.)
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Kwon BC, VanDam C, Chiuve SE, Choi HW, Entler P, Tan PN, Huh-Yoo J. Improving Heart Disease Risk Through Quality-Focused Diet Logging: Pre-Post Study of a Diet Quality Tracking App. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e21733. [PMID: 33355537 PMCID: PMC7787891 DOI: 10.2196/21733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diet-tracking mobile apps have gained increased interest from both academic and clinical fields. However, quantity-focused diet tracking (eg, calorie counting) can be time-consuming and tedious, leading to unsustained adoption. Diet quality—focusing on high-quality dietary patterns rather than quantifying diet into calories—has shown effectiveness in improving heart disease risk. The Healthy Heart Score (HHS) predicts 20-year cardiovascular risks based on the consumption of foods from quality-focused food categories, rather than detailed serving sizes. No studies have examined how mobile health (mHealth) apps focusing on diet quality can bring promising results in health outcomes and ease of adoption. Objective This study aims to design a mobile app to support the HHS-informed quality-focused dietary approach by enabling users to log simplified diet quality and view its real-time impact on future heart disease risks. Users were asked to log food categories that are the main predictors of the HHS. We measured the app’s feasibility and efficacy in improving individuals’ clinical and behavioral factors that affect future heart disease risks and app use. Methods We recruited 38 participants who were overweight or obese with high heart disease risk and who used the app for 5 weeks and measured weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, HHS, and diet score (DS)—the measurement for diet quality—at baseline and week 5 of the intervention. Results Most participants (30/38, 79%) used the app every week and showed significant improvements in DS (baseline: mean 1.31, SD 1.14; week 5: mean 2.36, SD 2.48; 2-tailed t test t29=−2.85; P=.008) and HHS (baseline: mean 22.94, SD 18.86; week 4: mean 22.15, SD 18.58; t29=2.41; P=.02) at week 5, although only 10 participants (10/38, 26%) checked their HHS risk scores more than once. Other outcomes, including weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure, did not show significant changes. Conclusions Our study showed that our logging tool significantly improved dietary choices. Participants were not interested in seeing the HHS and perceived logging diet categories irrelevant to improving the HHS as important. We discuss the complexities of addressing health risks and quantity- versus quality-based health monitoring and incorporating secondary behavior change goals that matter to users when designing mHealth apps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephanie E Chiuve
- AbbVie Inc, Chicago, IL, United States.,Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hyung Wook Choi
- College of Computing and Informatics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Paul Entler
- Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Pang-Ning Tan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Jina Huh-Yoo
- College of Computing and Informatics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Kim DKD, Kreps GL. An Analysis of Government Communication in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations for Effective Government Health Risk Communication. World Med Health Policy 2020; 12:398-412. [PMID: 32904935 PMCID: PMC7461274 DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Governments throughout the world can learn many critical lessons from examining instances of ineffective communication with the public during the global coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic. Ineffective government communication has resulted in a great deal of public confusion and misunderstanding, as well as serious errors in responding to this evolving health threat, leading to disastrous health and social outcomes for the public and prolonging the pandemic, especially within the United States. This article uses systems theory as a template for analyzing government communication in the United States during the COVID‐19 pandemic, providing governments with recommendations for establishing effective health risk communication strategies for use with the public. The communication strategies offered here promote the delivery of relevant, accurate, and sensitive information to key public groups, minimizing communication noise to guide desirable coordinated actions. These communication strategies can be applied locally, nationally, and internationally.
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Cook C, Finch T, Sharma S, Girling M, Rapley T, Vernazza CR. Developing oral health risk assessment as routine practice during early stages of clinical careers: A cross-sectional study of dental students using the NoMAD questionnaire. Eur J Dent Educ 2020; 24:169-176. [PMID: 31765500 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective implementation of healthcare initiatives is of key importance for ensuring high-quality clinical and health outcomes. Using Normalization Process Theory, this study investigates the implementation behaviour of dental students in relation to a novel oral health risk assessment tool. It considers the impact of advancing learning on normalisation of innovative healthcare practice. METHODS Students completed the NoMAD (normalisation of complex interventions-measure development) questionnaire and an additional scale to assess perceived value of the oral health risk assessment tool, after having used the tool for nearly one academic year. The sample comprised third- (n = 75), fourth- (n = 77) and fifth-year (n = 37) students. Differences between groups in relation to the four generative processes of normalisation were analysed using ANOVA. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated between groups. Multiple linear regression was undertaken to investigate the impact of normalisation level on value/utility judgements. RESULTS There were significant group differences for three of the four generative processes of normalisation (coherence, cognitive participation and reflexive monitoring). Third- and fourth-year students were highly similar but these groups showed lower normalisation compared to fifth years. Normalisation assessment predicted perceived value and utility of the oral health risk assessment tool. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that dental students show lower normalisation of novel tools at earlier stages in their course, possibly due to increased cognitive load, and that perceived value and utility of a novel tool is related to increased normalisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Cook
- Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tracy Finch
- Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | - Tim Rapley
- Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Barrelet C, Bourrier M, Burton-Jeangros C, Schindler M. Unresolved issues in risk communication research: the case of the H1N1 pandemic (2009-2011). Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2014; 7 Suppl 2:114-119. [PMID: 24034495 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2009 H1N1 pandemic had considerable impact on risk perceptions, vaccination campaigns, and global health governance. In this context, risk communication issues have been probably the most puzzling and the least understood in retrospect. This article reviews the current knowledge on the following issues: risk and pandemic perceptions; vaccination perceptions and practices; rumors and rumor propagation; and health risk communication. It also highlights the research gaps in these areas that remain to be further explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Barrelet
- Department of Sociology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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