A survey instrument to isolate effectiveness of a novel risk communication intervention

Anne M. Sanquini (), Sundar M. Thapaliya and Michele M. Wood
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Anne M. Sanquini: Stanford University
Sundar M. Thapaliya: Stanford University
Michele M. Wood: California State University

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2016, vol. 82, issue 1, No 4, 59-72

Abstract: Abstract Risk communications can be used to inform, persuade and facilitate public support for hazard risk mitigation and preparedness. Some common risk communications practices, such as the use of fear-based appeals, may inadvertently trigger maladaptive behavior. A brochure, film or advertisement may be just one part of a larger campaign to promote hazard readiness, and these items can and should be tested separately for efficacy and effectiveness prior to broad deployment. The purpose of this article is to show the development of a survey instrument, the 25-item earthquake-resistant construction knowledge and opinions (EKO) scale. This scale was created to test a non-emergency communications intervention designed to encourage earthquake-resistant school construction. It was utilized in a randomized controlled trial measuring change in outcomes after viewing a 20-minute film (trial results are reported elsewhere). The intervention film featured community members in Nepal who had worked toward making their school buildings earthquake safe. Study participants were 761 adult community members at schools with buildings in need of seismic work. Factor analysis yielded four questionnaire subscales labeled knowledge, feasibility, would-help-school and would-recommend-to-others, accounting for 55.7 % of the variance. Internal consistency was acceptable, with Cronbach’s α of 0.78–0.93 for all but the knowledge factor (α = 0.48). The EKO scale may be adapted to measure risk communications in other settings. Research on further development and application of the EKO scale and other similar questionnaires may facilitate the evaluation of risk communication interventions and help improve understanding of factors that contribute to intervention effectiveness.

Keywords: Earthquake risk mitigation; Survey instrument; Pretest–posttest questionnaire; Nepal; Kathmandu (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-016-2179-2

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