Effect of risk perception on self-protective behavior for West Nile virus

The endemic state of West Nile virus (WNV) underscores the need to examine factors influencing prevention. Little is known about the manner in which individuals perceive risk for WNV and how risk perception may affect behavior. This study was located in Greeley, CO., where WNV rates have been elevated in recent years. Data were collected using a mail survey. The four-page questionnaire (English and Spanish) was mailed to 777 residents proportionally sampled for ethnicity (Hispanic-Latino/Anglo). Aggressive follow-up and incentives were employed. 385 questionnaires were returned (50%). The questionnaire included items to apply recent findings on cognitive-affective modeling of risk perception, combined with work using ecological and proximity risk perception constructs. These elements were integrated into the Health Belief Model. The data show that older female Hispanic/Latinos engage in more protective behaviors. There is also an oppositional effect between the perceived benefits and barriers concerning protective behaviors. Further, exposure to information on WNV motivates people to take protective behavior. We see four conclusions and associated opportunities for further investigation. 1) The results support use of information to increase protective behaviors. Development and evaluation of ethnically based information intervention is needed. 2) WNV is relatively non-virulent but because of its zoonotic nature and mosquito vector transmission it can serve as a proxy for other emerging vector-borne infectious diseases. More insight into public response to this health threat is urgently needed. 3) There are strong contrasts on the model variables across ethnicity, showing that Hispanic-Latinos and Anglos have very different experiences with WNV.