The direct effects of media exposure on behaviors aimed at preventing COVID-19 and its indirect effects as mediated by interpersonal communication: a longitudinal study in Japan.

Objective: We aimed to examine the direct effects of exposure to media information about infection-preventing behavior and its indirect effects via interpersonal communication at two time points during the pandemic. Methods: In August 2020 and August 2021, a web-based survey of Japanese people under a declared state of emergency was conducted. We collected sociodemographic data and data on seven types of exposure to media information, three types of exposure to interpersonal communication, and six types of infection-preventing behavior. Results: A total of 784 participants completed both surveys. Exposure to information in the mass media decreased over the year, while interpersonal communication about COVID-19-related topics increased. The direct effect of exposure to information in the media about preventive behaviors was statistically significant in the pandemic's early stages, but this was no longer true after 1 year. The indirect effect via interpersonal communication was statistically significant at both time points. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the influence of media information on infection-preventing behavior during the pandemic was maintained over time as an indirect effect via interpersonal communication. For risk communication media strategies during pandemics, adopting strategies to generate interpersonal communication will have a sustained effect on preventive behavior.

The Politicization of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Political actors and institutions are largely responsible for effectively implementing the latest scientific and medical information in the form of public health measures. However, when politicians' judgments and decision-making are not founded on scientific facts or when scientific findings are misrepresented to further political goals, global crises such as pandemics may be even more galvanized. Like other scientific topics that entered public debate before 2020 (e.g., the debate on climate change), the COVID-19 pandemic has been heavily politicized worldwide. Consequently, COVID-19-related outcomes were strongly affected by politicization-a process of making a non-political issue political, i.e., debating it in the public sphere as an issue of public contestation. The present chapter presents a condensed overview and synthesis of the literature on the politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic in high- and low-income countries. In addition, we discuss several mechanisms explaining why, to some extent universally, conservatives (the right-wing oriented public) were less likely to follow public health recommendations, were more COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant, and had increased infection rates, poor health outcomes, and increased mortality compared to left-wing oriented public. The mechanisms explaining the links include the media, trust, cognitions, and values. We conclude the chapter with lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and future research directions on the pandemics' politicization.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Behavior Regarding Toxoplasmosis among Females in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Toxoplasmosis, a prevalent parasitic zoonotic disease, is influenced by various factors such as the climate, dietary habits, and hygiene practices. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding toxoplasmosis among females in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Utilizing a bilingual Google form, a cross-sectional online survey was distributed in both Arabic and English, and it was conducted between 11 January 2024 and 4 March 2024. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 27, with a p-value ≤ 0.05 indicating significant qualitative data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. A total of 533 participants were included in the study. Participants aged 18-25 years old constituted the largest group (70.4%), with those aged 26-40 years old accounting for 14.4% and ages 41-60 years old comprising 15.2%. Among the participants, 76.4% were unmarried, and 21.4% were pregnant. Notably, 79.2% of participants reported being unaware of toxoplasmosis, with only 9.0% gaining awareness from doctors and a mere 3.6% from awareness campaigns. Any understanding of the disease's severity and causative factors was limited to 15.9%. Despite a generally positive attitude towards preventive measures, significant correlations were found between toxoplasmosis and age (p-value 0.093), as well as the consumption of medium-cooked meat (p-value 0.008). Other variables, such as social status, cat ownership, handwashing before meals, and washing fruits and vegetables did not show significant correlations. Diet and hygiene practices notably impact toxoplasmosis transmission. In Riyadh, 79% of participants did not own cats, and 67.7% avoided undercooked meat. However, 6.7% used unfiltered water, and 8.4% did not wash their hands after handling raw meat and vegetables. The study concludes that there is insufficient knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis among females in Riyadh. Despite low knowledge, there is a neutral to slightly positive attitude and a willingness to learn and adopt preventive measures when informed. With better education, attitudes towards toxoplasmosis could improve due to a desire to learn and act. While general hygiene practices were favorable, specific preventive behaviors for toxoplasmosis need enhancement to reduce infection risks.

Changes in complacency to adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures and mental health after COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental healthcare professionals.

Medical and dental professionals should continue to adhere to preventive measures after COVID-19 vaccination due to their increased risk of exposure to the virus, particularly as new variants emerge that may heighten their risk perception and susceptibility. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on complacency to adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures and mental health among medical and dental professionals. In this cross-sectional study 410 medical and dental professionals were recruited from different medical and dental hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan. The data was collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire comprising of three sections (socio-demographic, information of preventive behaviors performance against COVID-19 after vaccination, mental health status). A chi-square test and ordinal logistic regression were used for analysis. Post COVID-19 vaccination there was decrease in the frequency of use of hand washing, sanitizers (70.2%), and social distancing (60.5%), however greeting with a handshake (58.8%) and use of public transport (45.9%) seen upward trend among participants. Only face mask usage post-vaccination was statistically significant (p < .05) in association with age, marital status, and years of working Experience. The greatest decrease in the usage of masks after COVID-19 vaccination was seen in age group of 10-30 (41.7%) and working experience group of 0-5 years (39.7%). All the preventive behaviors are statistically significant (p < .05) associated with the mental status of the participants except online shopping and use of public transport. These results indicate the presence of vaccination-induced complacency in adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures among healthcare professionals.

Predictors of HIV/AIDS preventive behavior among undergraduate health science university students in Northwest Ethiopia, 2022. Institution-based cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a major global public health issue, affecting millions of people annually. University students are among the risk groups in the community because of their high-risk behaviors. Few studies have been conducted on HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors and associated factors among university students. Therefore, focusing on these target populations is crucial because it will help university managers and different stakeholders be informed about the burden of the problem and take different measures to halt the distribution of the infection. Objective: To assess the predictors of HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors among undergraduate Health Science University students in Northwest Ethiopia in 2022. Methods: This study used an institution-based cross-sectional design with a single-population proportion formula, and participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6.0.2 and exported to SPSS version 26 for cleaning and analysis, and the results were presented using text, graphs, pie charts, percentages, and frequencies. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used, and variables with a p-value of ≤0.25 in the bivariate analysis were entered into the multivariable analysis. A p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 in the multivariable analysis was considered statistically significant. Result: Out of 287 study participants, 284 of them responded completely, with a response rate of 99.0 %. Among the total respondents, 42.3 % (95 % CI: 37.7, 47.8) of the participants had poor HIV/AIDS preventive behavior. Younger age (AOR: 3.05; 95 % CI (1.243, 7.496)), low perceived susceptibility (AOR: 2.12; 95 % CI (1.179, 3.809), low perceived severity (AOR: 3.00; 95 % CI (1.636, 5.509)), high perceived barriers (AOR: 2.78; 95 % CI (1.487, 5.202)), and having poor HIV/AIDS preventive knowledge (AOR: 3.87; 95 % CI (2.170, 6.919)) were significantly associated with poor HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors. Conclusion: The HIV/AIDS preventive behavior of participants in this study was poor. Young age, low perceived susceptibility, low perceived severity, high perceived barriers, and poor HIV/AIDS preventive knowledge were predictors of poor HIV/AIDS preventive behavior. It is better to design strategies and programs by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, university top managers, and other stakeholders to provide appropriate information and focus on behavioral changes in vulnerable population groups.

Preventive behavior intention for a viral outbreak among college students: The case of Mpox.

OBJECTIVE: Examine college students' behavior intention to reduce viral outbreak transmission in the context of Mpox, and what preventive messaging strategies would be most effective in future transmissible disease outbreaks based on the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA). PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduates at a mid-Atlantic U.S. University. METHODS: An online survey (n = 266) conducted at the height of the recent Mpox outbreak in the U.S., asked about five target behaviors to reduce Mpox transmission, including RAA determinants for each behavior. RESULTS: Highest intention was safe sex practices, lowest were vaccination and sexual abstinence, and sharing dishes and fabrics were in between. RAA determinants differed by target behavior, although attitudes were significantly positively associated with intention for all five behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: College students are potentially open to preventative behaviors to reduce viral transmission during an outbreak. However, specific target behavior matters and messaging should focus on differing RAA determinants depending on target behavior.

The Motivation for COVID-19 Vaccination and Preventive Behavior.

COVID-19, a viral infection that emerged in late 2019, induces a severe acute respiratory syndrome marked by significant clinical symptoms, and the potential for progressive respiratory failure and death. People facing the threat of COVID-19 not only feared being infected, but were also worried about the side-effects of vaccination. This conflict affected their epidemic prevention behavior. To understand this issue, the present study explored whether infection anxiety affected the psychological avoidance or approach to getting vaccinated and the intention to take epidemic prevention measures. The study implemented a cross-sectional, web-based survey. We created questionnaires using Surveycake, an online e-form questionnaire platform. We used the snowball sampling method via a social media app to recruit participants. If individuals were willing to participate in the research, we emailed the e-form questionnaire link to them to collect data. After questionnaire collection, 288 questionnaires were returned, and 277 valid questionnaires were obtained for structural equation modeling analysis. According to the statistical results, it was found that infection anxiety was positively related to avoidance-avoidance conflict, and the power of infection anxiety on avoidance conflict was 23.0%. Infection anxiety was negatively related to approach-approach conflict regarding vaccination, and the power of infection anxiety on approach-approach conflict was 22.0%. Approach-approach conflict regarding vaccination was negatively related to prevention behavior, while avoidance-avoidance conflict regarding vaccination was positively related to prevention behavior. The two conflicts explained 12.5% of the total variance in prevention behavior. The study results highlight the long-term importance of achieving vaccine goals in order to prepare for future health emergencies similar to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Determinants of preventive behavior against Covid-19 in secondary school students based on Health Belief Model (HBM): a structural equations modeling (SEM).

Measures such as education, improving knowledge, attitude and taking preventive action to protect against COVID-19 are vital strategies for prevention. The aim of this study was to determine the predictability of Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs in performing preventive behaviors against COVID-19 among secondary school students in Chabahar, Iran. In this cross-sectional-analytical study, 400 secondary school students of Chabahar city were investigated by simple random sampling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, knowledge, behavior, and Health Belief Model constructs' questions. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to evaluate the validity of HBM constructs, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of the relationship between knowledge, HBM constructs, and preventive behavior against COVID-19 based on the conceptual model. Based on the results of the structural modeling, the direct effect of knowledge on the constructs of the health belief model was positive and significant (ß = 0.34, P-value < 0.001), and on the preventive behavior of students was insignificant (ß = 0.12, P-value = 0.07) while the indirect effect of knowledge through increasing the constructs of the HBM on student behavior was positive and significant (ß = 0.30, P < 0.001). The relationship between the constructs of the HBM constructs and student behavior was also positive and significant (ß = 0.89, P-value < 0.001).Due to the fact that knowledge and HBM structures played a role in predicting the adoption of preventive behavior from COVID-19, it is possible to design appropriate interventions to increase knowledge, sensitivity, perceived severity, and self-efficacy, in order to recover from COVID-19 by adopting preventive behaviors.

Prediction of preventive behaviors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the endemic areas of northwest Iran: an application of BASNEF model.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes and is endemic in many regions of the world and Iran, and annually imposes a large burden on the health system. This study was conducted to identify the effective factors in the preventive behaviors of CL based on the BASNEF model in endemic areas in the northwest of Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Bileh-Savar, 'endemic areas of Ardabil Province, Iran', from June 2022 to October 2022. 200 non-patients were included in the study by a multi-stage sampling method. A standard questionnaire based on the BASNEF model was applied for data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Means and standard deviations were calculated to describe the continuous variables, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine the prediction of intention and behavior by the model structures. The BASNEF constructs predict 27% of behavioral intention changes. Among the constructs, attitude has a greater contribution in predicting changes (R2 = 0.27, p < 0.01). Also, the results showed that the BASNEF constructs predict 23% of behavior changes. Among the constructs, enabling factors have a greater contribution to predicting changes (R2 = 0.23, p < 0.01). This finding shows that behavior is more influenced by environmental factors, and educational interventions based on behavior change models, along with providing environmental conditions, can facilitate behavior change.

Perceptions, Attitudes, and Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Residents in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally, with significant associations with various cancers. Despite the availability of HPV vaccines, vaccination uptake remains suboptimal in many regions, including Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey-based study aimed to assess perceptions, attitudes, and barriers related to HPV vaccination among residents in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited using a stratified sampling method, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered electronically. RESULTS: A total of 600 participants were included in the study, with diverse demographic profiles observed. The largest age group was 26-35 years old, comprising 42.7% (n = 256) of the sample. The distribution of gender was approximately equal, with 54.7% (n = 328) male participants. Notable perception and knowledge about HPV were observed, with 49.7% (n = 298) reporting being very familiar. Furthermore, 85.8% (n = 515) believed that HPV could cause serious health problems, and 63.7% (n = 382) perceived the vaccine to be very effective. Positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination were prevalent, with a significant proportion expressing a willingness to recommend the vaccine to themselves (70.0%, n = 420) and their children (65.0%, n = 390). Healthcare provider recommendation emerged as a key influencing factor, with 73.8% (n = 443) citing it as influential. Despite favorable attitudes, barriers to HPV vaccination were reported, including vaccine cost (22.5%, n = 135) and lack of awareness (13.7%, n = 82). However, a substantial proportion of unvaccinated participants cited not applicable reasons (57.2%, n = 343), indicating prior vaccination. Factors associated with HPV vaccination uptake included higher education levels, with those holding a master's degree or above exhibiting higher odds of vaccination uptake (OR (odds ratio): 1.80, 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.35-2.40, p < 0.001). Age (26-35 vs. 18-25) also showed a borderline significant association (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.98-1.60, p = 0.074). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of understanding perceptions and barriers to HPV vaccination to inform public health policies and programs in Saudi Arabia. Addressing identified barriers, such as educational campaigns and improving access to vaccination services, is essential for enhancing HPV vaccination coverage and reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases in the region.

Preventive behaviors of COVID-19 in the Iranian adult population during the pandemic: Integrated effect of the health belief model and the planned behavior intention using causal path analysis.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the integration of the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of intention to plan preventive behavior for COVID-19 during the pandemic. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a sample of 480 adult participants from different outpatient clinics were recruited in the study. The participant responded by self-report; the health belief model (HBM) scale, preventive behavior scale, subjective norms scale, the intention of planned behavior scale, and perceived control behavior scale were measured. The hypothesized causal path models were examined using SEM analysis. Results: The HBM had significant effects on perceived behavior control (ß=0.60, P=0.001), the intended preventive behavior (ß=0.32, P=0.001), and subjective norm (ß=0.53, P=0.001). Subsequently, the intention of preventive behavior (ß==0.39, P=0.001) and subjective norms (ß=0.27, P=0.001) significantly affected the performance of preventive behaviors. The estimated fitting criteria showed that the hypothesized model fits relatively well. Conclusion: The health belief model with the integration of subjective norms, perceived control behavior and mediation by the intention of planned behavior in a pathway relationship explains well the preventive behavior of COVID-19. The findings present a deeper understanding of how integrating HBM and intended planned behavior enhances people's preventive behavior against COVID-19.

Timing of preventive behavior in the case of a new and evolving health risk: the case of COVID-19 vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Time preferences for preventive behavior under novel risks and uncertain contexts may differ from timing preferences related to familiar risks. Therefore, it is crucial to examine drivers of preventative health behavior timing in light of new health risks. Using the case of COVID-19, we examine factors affecting vaccination timing plans when vaccines were widely available in the European Union (EU). METHODS: We use data from the Flash Eurobarometer 494 survey (May 21-26, 2021), which collected information on EU residents' attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccinations. We also use the 'Our World in Data' vaccination database for country-level COVID-19 vaccination rates. Probit regressions were conducted to determine how local vaccination rates, trust in information sources, social norms, vaccine safety beliefs, and risk understanding affected the probability of COVID-19 vaccination delay. RESULTS: Of total participants (n = 26,106), 9,063 (34.7%) were vaccinated, 7,114 (27.3%) wanted to get vaccinated as soon as possible, 5,168 (19.8%) wanted to delay vaccination and 2,962 (11.4%) resisted vaccination. Participants were more likely to delay COVID-19 vaccination if they lived in a country with lower vaccination prevalence, trusted online social networks, family, friends, and colleagues for vaccination information, were eager to follow vaccination-related social norms, expressed vaccine safety concerns, and understood the risk of catching COVID-19 without a vaccine to be lower. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the study contribute to understanding important factors that predict timing of vaccination plans. These findings can also contribute to the wider knowledge base about timing of preventive behavior uptake in novel risk contexts.

The effect of a bone-preserving board game program on the knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors of osteoporosis in older adults.

Osteoporosis predisposes to fractures, which affect the quality of life and can be life-threatening. However, the knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors of osteoporosis in older adults are insufficient. The aim of this paper was to develop and test the effect of a bone-preserving board game program among older adults. A convenience sample of 85 older adults recruited from two community activity centers in southern Taiwan were assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group played a bone-preserving board game for 4 weeks, and the control group participated in routine community center activities. The generalized estimating equation showed significantly larger improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors in the experimental group than in the control group. Board games designed for older adults can support public health education and help prevent osteoporosis. Our results provide a reference for educators, clinical practitioners and researchers.

Establishing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a health belief model based educational training program on health belief perceptions and dementia-preventive behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes.

This quasi-experimental study evaluated feasibility and preliminary efficacy of dementia-preventive educational training intervention program based on the health belief model for improving perceived health beliefs and dementia-preventive behaviors among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two community hospitals with 72 eligible participants were chosen from 12 local institutions using simple random sampling method. One hospital (22 patients) was allocated to dementia-preventive educational training intervention, and the other hospital (23 patients) was allocated to control intervention (using simple random sampling). Primary study outcome was feasibility, and secondary outcomes were changes in dementia prevention behaviors and health belief perceptions. Recruitment rate was 62.5% (45/72) and 22 patients in each group totally completed outcome measures and attended sessions, indicating feasibility of the intervention and study design. There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. After training, participants in the intervention group had significantly higher scores than control group in prevention behaviors and perceptions of health beliefs. The intervention group experienced significant with-group changes in outcomes. Results show that conducting a subsequent fully powered experimental study is feasible, and the intervention has promising efficacy.

Fear, Stress, Susceptibility, and Problematic Social Media Use Explain Motivation for COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors Among Patients With Stroke and Their Caregivers.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for individuals who experienced stroke and their caregivers. It is essential to understand the factors affecting preventive behavior in these populations. Therefore, the present study examined the factors that influenced COVID-19 preventive behavior and motivation for COVID-19 vaccine uptake among patients with stroke and their caregivers. A cross-sectional study comprising 191 participants (81 patients with stroke and 110 caregivers) was carried out. Participants completed a survey assessing fear of COVID-19, stress, perceived susceptibility, problematic social media use, preventive behaviors, and motivation for vaccine uptake. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regressions. Motivation for COVID-19 vaccine uptake was significantly positively correlated with problematic social media use (r = 0.225, P = .002), perceived susceptibility (r = 0.197, P = .008), and fear of COVID-19 (r = 0.179, P = .015), but negatively correlated with stress (r = -0.189, P = .010). Caregivers, compared to patients, showed a lower level of preventive behavior (standardized coefficient = -0.23, P = .017). Furthermore, higher levels of fear were associated with increased preventive behavior (standardized coefficient = 0.22, P = .006), while greater stress correlated with lower preventive behavior (standardized coefficient = -0.38, P < .001). Among patients with stroke and their caregivers, motivation of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and preventive behaviors were influenced by factors such as fear, perceived susceptibility, social media use, and stress. By using strategies such as targeted education, support, and communication campaigns, healthcare providers and policymakers may be able to enhance the well-being of patients with stroke and their caregivers during future pandemics.

The sound of safety: exploring the determinants of prevention intention in noisy industrial workplaces.

Occupational noise exposure is a pervasive issue in many industries, leading to a range of health issues and sleep disturbances among workers. Additionally, there is a strong desire among these workers to prevent industrial accidents. This study, aimed at enhancing worker health and well-being, utilized a survey distributed by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions to field workers. Data from 1285 workers were collected and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify and understand the factors affecting prevention intention in noisy work environments. Our findings indicate that health problems resulting from occupational noise exposure significantly influence insomnia, perceived severity of potential accidents, perceived benefits of preventive measures, and perceived barriers. Perceived severity was significantly correlated with prevention intention, emphasizing the role of risk perception in motivating preventive behaviors. Perceived benefits were also significantly associated with prevention intention, highlighting the importance of positive outcomes in influencing workers' behaviors. Additionally, perceived barriers showed a significant relationship with prevention intention, suggesting that overcoming these barriers is crucial in promoting preventive behaviors. Demographic factors such as gender displayed a significant association with prevention intention, while age did not. This study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted factors influencing workers' intention to prevent industrial accidents in noisy environments, underlining the importance of comprehensive data collection tools in understanding these dynamics.

Relations of behavioral inhibition and activation system sensitivities with vaccination outcomes: Investigating the mediating role of vaccine hesitancy in older adults.

The study of behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS) sensitivities has produced a multitude of models and frameworks to better understand decision-making and behavior. We extend this research to the study of a vaccination by exploring the relation of BIS and BAS sensitivities with vaccination willingness, receipt, and word-of-mouth. We also assess whether dimensions of vaccine hesitancy mediate these relations, testing whether they are viable explanatory mechanisms. By conducting a multi-wave survey study, our results support that BIS sensitivity does not meaningfully relate to vaccine hesitancy or vaccination outcomes. On the other hand, BAS sensitivity related to detrimental vaccination outcomes, and these effects were mediated by vaccine hesitancy dimensions associated with perceptions that vaccines cause health risks and are not needed for healthy individuals. Based on extant BIS and BAS theory, these results suggest that certain people may see refraining from vaccination as a nonpunishment.

The risk perception of COVID-19 and pandemic-related behaviors: a moderated mediation model of political trust and self-efficacy.

As the pandemic continues to spread across the world, the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its recurrence pose challenges for pandemic control in all countries worldwide. The present study examines the mediating role of political trust in the relationship between risk perception and pandemic-related behaviors (preventive behaviors and hoarding behaviors), and the moderating effect of self-efficacy on this relationship. The responses of 827 Chinese residents revealed that political trust plays a mediating role in the relationship between risk perception and pandemic-related behaviors. The relationship between risk perception and political trust was significant for individuals with low self-efficacy, while it became weaker for those with high self-efficacy.

Research Note: Factors influencing highly pathogenic avian influenza preventive behavior among live poultry market vendors.

In China, fresh food has always been a top priority and live poultry has been a staple in the diet for thousands of years. As a result, the live poultry market (LPM) remains a popular and important source for purchasing live poultry among the public. However, LPMs also play a crucial role in spreading and retaining highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) due to the high poultry movement and trade volume. Therefore, the preventive behavior of LPM vendors is essential in blocking the transmission of HPAI and reducing occupational exposure. Based on the health belief model, this study utilized structural equation modeling to examine the effect of risk perceptions on preventive behavior among vendors in the live poultry wholesale market (wLPM) and the live poultry retail market (rLPM) in Guangdong Province. The results indicated that perceived severity and perceived benefits positively influenced the wLPM vendors' ability to adopt preventive behavior (i.e., self-efficacy) while perceived barriers negatively affected self-efficacy in both wLPM and rLPM. Moreover, cues to action positively mediated the relationship between perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy of wLPM and rLPM vendors. Cues to action also positively mediated the effect of perceived susceptibility among wLPM vendors. To promote preventive behavior among vendors, the market management companies and the government must provide timely and effective HPAI information through various channels and develop differentiated health campaigns according to the market types to raise vendors' awareness about HPAI.