Avian Influenza Risk Perception and Preventive Behavior in Taiwan
Author Information
Author(s): Kuo Pei-Chun, Huang Jiun-Hau, Liu Ming-Der
Primary Institution: National Taiwan University
Hypothesis
What psychosocial factors influence the adoption of preventive behaviors against avian influenza among market workers and shoppers in Taiwan?
Conclusion
Correct knowledge about avian influenza's fatality rate and awareness of local outbreaks are linked to increased preventive behaviors.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants with correct knowledge about AI fatality rate were more than 4 times as likely to practice preventive behavior.
- Those who knew about severe cases of AI were approximately 2 times as likely to adopt preventive measures.
- Participants living in northeastern Taiwan were 6 times more likely to practice recommended behaviors than those in central Taiwan.
Takeaway
People who know more about the dangers of bird flu are more likely to wash their hands and wear masks when they are around live poultry.
Methodology
An interviewer-administered survey was conducted among traditional market workers and shoppers in Taiwan.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported behaviors and the specific regional focus of the study.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design may lead to reverse causality, and combining face mask wearing and handwashing as a single outcome may overlook differences in determinants.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 43.9 years; 62.5% female; 59.4% lived in central Taiwan; 18.2% had a university degree.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 3.40–10.61
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website