Table 2 Frequency of studies addressing communication and preparedness outcomes
Communication outcomes | Definition | Frequency (%) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
Information sources and exposure | The incidental exposure of information of a public health threat, which is not actively looked for by the audience, but obtained through daily routine or from the surrounding. | (46) 50% | Information about government’s social distancing recommendations learned from routine television watching. |
Information seeking behaviors | The actions people take proactively to search for information about public health threats for self-protection and survival. | (10) 11% | Browsed website and/or call doctors to get info about vaccine against H1N1. |
Trust and credibility | Trust and credibility in the information sources, quality of the information received, fairness of treatment, or government’s ability to respond to a public health emergency. | (29) 32% | Trust in commercial television or health department as information source about H1N1 vaccines. |
Information processing | Ability to understand information about public health threats for self-protection and survival. | (3) 3% | Some subgroups in society were more vulnerable during pandemics because they had difficulty in understanding preventive measures. |
Information utilization | Ability and/or willingness to use information obtained to prepare for and respond to public health threats. | (11) 12% | Compliance with hygienic practices during pandemics. |
Preparedness outcomes | Definition | Frequency (%) | Examples |
Knowledge/awareness | Knowledge about specific threats and preventive behaviors. | 49 (53%) | Individuals with knowledge of a particular mode of transmission for H1N1. |
Risk perception | Subjective judgment about the characteristics and severity of personal or societal risk. | 64 (70%) | The risk of being infected with the H1N1 virus. |
Preventive behaviors | Any activity undertaken by individuals to prevent a disease or limit contagion to other people. | 64 (70%) | Compliance with the hygienic practices, immunization practices. |
Healthcare behaviors | Any activity undertaken by individuals to seek medical attention after they encounter the threat. | 24 (26%) | Seeking health care, compliance with recommended medications (i.e. antivirals). |
Emotional response | Emotional reactions that occur as a response to a real risk or potential threat to health or environment. | 43 (47%) | Fear, worry, anxiety, hopelessness or anger. |