Perceptions of risk for COVID-19 among individuals with chronic diseases and stakeholders in Central Appalachia

Manik Ahuja (), Hadii M. Mamudu, Florence M. Weierbach, Karilynn Dowling-McClay, David W. Stewart, Manul Awasthi and Timir K. Paul
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Manik Ahuja: East Tennessee State University
Hadii M. Mamudu: East Tennessee State University
Florence M. Weierbach: East Tennessee State University
Karilynn Dowling-McClay: East Tennessee State University
David W. Stewart: East Tennessee State University
Manul Awasthi: East Tennessee State University
Timir K. Paul: East Tennessee State University

Palgrave Communications, 2021, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-6

Abstract: Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly evolving and is a serious public health threat worldwide. Timely and effective control of the pandemic is highly dependent on preventive approaches. Perception of risk is a major determinant of health behavior. The current study explores the association between actual risk and perceived risk for one’s self, family/friends and friends, and community. A questionnaire was administered to participants in Central Appalachia (n = 102). The actual risk was based on the number of chronic conditions of the following conditions: hypertension, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Participants were also queried about their perception of risk for COVID-19. Generalized Linear Models were used to independently evaluate the likelihood of perceived risk for one’s: self, family/friends, and community, based on actual risk. Actual risk for COVID-19 was significantly associated with higher likelihood of higher perception of risk for one’s self (b = 0.24; p = 0.04), but not with one’s family/friends (b = 0.05; p = 0.68), or one’s community (b = 0.14; p = 0.16). No health insurance was negatively associated with perception of risk for self (b = −0.59; p = 0.04) and family/friends (b = −0.92; p

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-00906-7

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