Diffusion of Innovative Behavior of the Public Toward Preparing FEMKs:From Innovative Characteristics to Personal Risk Perception and Behavioral Intention

Objective:The study aims to apply diffusion of innovation theory and structural equation modeling(SEM)to explore the current situation of personal risk perception and preparation of family emergency medicine kits(FEMKs)in Shanxi Province during the period of COVID-19.Moreover,the study intends to analyze the impact of innovation characteristics and risk perception to provide reference for the future popularization of FEMKs and the formulation of relevant policies.Methods:A total of 1,606 permanent residents in Shanxi Province were selected as respondents.SEM was used to analyze the relationship among innovation characteristics,personal risk perception,and behavioral intention.Results:The results demonstrate that only observability(λ=0.968)exerted a significant direct impact on the public's behavior of preparing FEMKs.Personal risk perception(λ=0.334)can have a significant direct impact on behavioral intention.Relative advantage,compatibility,and convenience of use exerted significant impacts on behavioral intention by influencing individual perceived risk(mediating effects=0.237,0.892,and 1.044,respectively).Conclusion:Residents are undergoing a period of change(i.e.,from the contemplation to the preparation stage).Thus,innovative characteristics can directly influence the behavior or behavioral intention of preparing FEMKs by influencing the public's risk perception.In the future,studies should focus on publicity and education of the behavior of preparing FEMKs to increase the awareness of residents and effectively improve the FEMKs level of importance given to this behavior.