Applying harm reduction to COVID-19 prevention: The influence of moderation messages and risk infographics.
Patient Educ Couns
; 105(2): 269-276, 2022 02.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1401769
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
We propose that harm reduction messages advocating moderation versus abstinence from social interaction will be seen as less threatening and increase intentions to follow COVID-19 guidelines. We also examine two important moderators the influence of risk framing and willingness to risk infection.METHOD:
A 2 × 2 between-participants, randomized experiment (N = 476) varied infographics portraying low-risk behaviors, like going camping, versus high-risk behaviors, like attending a concert, followed by either moderation or abstinence guidelines. Participants in two additional control groups saw an infographic displaying either a full range of risk behaviors or behaviors that pose no risk, each followed by generic guidelines.RESULTS:
Regression analyses show moderation messages are less freedom-threatening only when presenting low-risk behaviors. Persons more willing to risk infection found all messages more freedom-threatening; however, for these individuals, moderation messages increased behavioral intentions when risks were presented as high.CONCLUSION:
This study suggests harm reduction may be applied effectively in a pandemic, where the behavior of risk-tolerant individuals, at a population level, could have suboptimal effects on curbing virus transmission. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health educators should communicate harm reduction with certain populations but also test to ensure messaging, including visuals communicating relative risks, are received as intended.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Data Visualization
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Patient Educ Couns
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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