Risk Perception about Hydraulic Fracturing in Eastern States

Hydraulic fracturing is widespread in some eastern states leading to polarization of communities with some supporting the industry and others calling for a moratorium.  People living in communities with and without hydraulic fracturing have perceptions of risk or safety of the process based on as yet not well understood factors. Rural communities have vulnerable populations that may impact perceived risk. Understanding the factors that affect risk perception is essential to the design of appropriate community outreach and communication strategies and research to improve community health. This study was designed to identify factors affecting risk perception among people living in states where hydraulic fracturing is occurring and in states where it has a probability of occurring in the future. The association of mental health signals and level of risk perception is explored. The study involved the design of a survey tool incorporating factors (uncertainty, trust and accountability) known to be important in communities with other natural resource extraction industries and includes several validated tools for mental health (PSS, PHQ-4) and sleep disturbance (PROMIS). Factors affecting vulnerable populations were included. The questionnaire was administered over the internet to 900 total respondents equally representing Pennsylvania and Ohio where hydraulic fracturing is occurring and New York and North Carolina where it is not yet occurring. The survey will allow comparison of perceived risks between communities with hydraulic fracturing and without hydraulic fracturing.  Factors associated with increased or decreased perceived risk will be identified and will be used to inform further research, community outreach and communication strategies.