Understanding the cultural orientations of fear appeal variables: a cross-cultural comparison of pandemic risk perceptions, efficacy perceptions, and behaviors

To understand the cultural nuances of fear appeal model variables, this study conducted a cross-cultural survey comparing risk perceptions, efficacy perceptions, and behaviors during the 2019-nCoV pandemic in China (N = 425) and in the U.S. (N = 352). Hofstede’s cultural orientations (collectivism, power distance, long-term orientations, and indulgence) were applied to examine variables in the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) (severity, susceptibility, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and compliance behavior). Findings show that, on the individual level, all the fear appeal variables, except for severity, are partially culturally rooted and are associated with at least two of the cultural orientations. On a national level, after controlling for individual and cultural differences, the Chinese sample reported higher severity, susceptibility, and self-efficacy, but lower compliance behaviors than the U.S. sample. No difference was found in response efficacy. Results imply that different fear appeal variables (severity vs. susceptibility, self-efficacy, and response efficacy) may function differently when it comes to their cultural orientations. The study gives suggestions as to how risk communication efforts can be maximized based on each of the fear appeal variables’ relationships with the cultural orientations. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

[Interpretation for the group standards in the handling of accidental leak coronavirus disease 2019 sample].

Biosafety is an important guarantee of the new coronavirus laboratory test. The accident treatment of sample overflow and sprinkle is a necessary part of the emergency plan for testing activities. Beijing Preventive Medicine Association coordinated biosafety experts of COVID-19 laboratories from Beijing CDC, to write up "The standard for handling of accidents of corona virus disease 2019 sample (T/BPMA 0005-2020)" . The group standard was based on the guidelines of China and WHO, and combined with the practical experience of COVID-19 epidemic and the principle of "scientific, normative, applicable and feasible" . Through all kinds of risk Assessment, it included the spillover of samples caused by the packing of COVID-19 (highly pathogenic) samples, the overflow and sprinkle in the laboratory during the detection operation, and the spillage accident occurred during the transfer of samples in the same building. The standard could guide and standardize the handling methods of accidental overflow and sprinkle that may occur in the SARS-CoV-2 testing laboratories in the city.