Cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception,behavioural intention and INTERHEART risk stratification among middle-aged adults in Malaysia

Objective:To investigate the interrelationship between cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception,behavioural intention,and INTERHEART risk stratification in a middle-aged adult population in Malaysia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted during November 2022 and January 2023.Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception of cardiovascular diseases,behavioural intention towards adopting healthy habits,and INTERHEART risk stratification score(IHRS)based on established risk factors.A total of 602 respondents were included in the final analysis.Data were analysed with independent t-test/one-way ANOVA or Mann-Whitney/Kruskal-Wallis to test the differences,Pearson correlation or linear regression test to analyze the association of independent and dependent variables.Results:There was a significant positive correlation between medical knowledge related to cardiovascular disease(CVD)and knowledge related to CVD risk prevention,risk perception,behavioural intention and IHRS(P<0.05,Pearson correlation).Notably,individuals with higher IHRS tended to have lower knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention,risk perception,and behavioural intention.Males,laborers,active/former smokers,individuals with lower household income and educational levels,those involved in occupations not related to the healthcare sector,and those who did not receive the CVD health brochure or are unaware of health self-assessment tools are likely to have lower levels of knowledge,risk perception,and poorer behavioural intention regarding cardiovascular health(P<0.05,one-way ANOVA).While educational level,smoking status,awareness about CVD poster,self-assessment tools were repeatedly significantly associated with knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention,risk perception,behavioral intention and/or IHRS(P<0.05,linear regression).Conclusions:These findings underscore the importance of promoting cardiovascular health awareness and risk perception among middle-aged adults to foster positive BI and reduce CVD risk.Tailored interventions targeting specific risk factors identified by INTERHEART may enhance risk stratification accuracy and facilitate targeted preventive strategies.

Relationship Between Individuals’Epidemic Risk Perception Within Living Space and Subjective Well-Being:Empirical Evidence from China after the First Wave of COVID-19

It is common to observe the epidemic risk perception(ERP)and a decline in subjective well-being(SWB)in the context of public health events,such as Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19).However,there have been few studies exploring the impact of individuals’ERP within living space on their SWB,especially from a geographical and daily activity perspective after the resumption of work and other activities following a wave of the pandemic.In this paper,we conducted a study with 789 participants in urban China,measuring their ERP within living space and examining its influence on their SWB using path analysis.The results indicated that individuals’ERP within their living space had a significant negative effect on their SWB.The density of certain types of facilities within their living space,such as bus stops,subway stations,restaurants,fast food shops,convenience shops,hospitals,and public toilets,had a significantly negative impact on their SWB,mediated by their ERP within living space.Additionally,participation in out-of-home work and other activities not only increased individuals’ERP within living space,but also strengthened its negative effect on their SWB.

Volcanic Risk Perception and Coping Strategies from Mounts Cameroon and Nyiragongo Eruptions, Central Africa: A Comparative Analysis

Approximately 2,000,000 people are exposed to volcanic risks in communities situated at the flanks of Mounts Cameroon (MC) and Nyiragongo (MN) volcanoes in Central Africa. This study therefore sought to investigate risk perception from four previous eruptions of MC, namely the 1959, 1982, 1999, and 2000 eruptions;and two previous eruptions of MN: 1977 and 2002. The study was initiated with co-design workshops held with major stakeholders in the cities of Buea and Goma at the flanks of MC and MN, respectively, in 2017, to develop the research objectives for the study. A non-random questionnaire survey was later conducted within 14 and 15 communities in Buea and Goma respectively, on the effects, perceived risks, and coping strategies for the chosen eruptions. Three age groups (18 - 30, 31 - 45 and >45 years) and gender (male and female) were considered. The population at the flanks of both volcanoes cited scientific and indigenous factors to be responsible for eruptions from these volcanoes. At MC and MN, ≥45% of the sampled participants (with a higher female population) perceived that the sampled eruptions posed a very high risk to the population. In terms of the effects, the age group of 18 - 30 was the least knowledgeable. In terms of direct effect on persons, over 90% of participants at MC and MN attested that they were overcome by fear/panic. On measures to cope with any likely eruption, the following order was established at the flanks of both volcanoes: sensitization of population, use of religious (prayers) and of traditional/indigenous strategies. In terms of future coping strategies, while the males at MC maintained sensitization as the favourite option, 62% of the males at MN opted for traditional/indigenous strategies. The female population at both MC and MN showed a higher preference for religious strategies like prayers.

Protection Measures and Change in the Perception of Work Risks with COVID-19, in a Representative Sample of Portuguese Tattoo Artists

Introduction: Tattoo Artists are exposed to Occupational Hazards, but the bibliography is scarce. Methodology: this is a Mixed Exploratory Study carried out with a quantitative component (online questionnaire) and a qualitative component (online interview). The questionnaire was available between April 2020 and March 2021 and was distributed by the companies/professionals that work on Tattoos, main national magazines in the sector, companies that supply products and equipment and organizing committees of the main national congresses. The research project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Porto (28.04.2020) and an informed consent was obtained. As an inclusion criterion, it was considered to carry out tattooing tasks on a paid basis. As exclusion criteria, working outside the country or not mastering the Portuguese language stood out. Results: 207 Tattoo Artists answered the questionnaire (25.87% of professionals registered in Portugal) and nine interviews took place. Numerous statistically significant associations were found between the variables analysed. Final considerations: the main weaknesses of the study are related to the difficulties inherent in data collection: as it was carried out using an online questionnaire, it was not controlled whether all respondents practiced the profession of Tattoo Artists. Furthermore, as it is a voluntary questionnaire, it is possible that the sample retained professionals who value Occupational Health issues. This investigation combined quantitative and qualitative techniques, so that it was possible to take advantage of and mitigate the disadvantages of both;in fact, the qualitative aspect sequentially completed and explored the data initially obtained in the survey, as well as it allowed to deepen issues initially not programmed, such as the possible interference of the Pandemic associated with SARS-COV2 in the general Risk Perception and compliance with the Standards of Good Practices. Regarding the interviews, the sample was reduced, although the answers were reasonably repeated. During those, even though the questions were posed based on what the Tattoo Artists’ thoughts on what most of the colleagues considered and not having to answer only for themselves, this may still have motivated them to respond in a more politically correct manner. In the overall project, very complete data were obtained on Occupational Health applied to this professional sector, part of which had not been published before, which will certainly constitute an asset to acting more effectively. Overall, Portuguese Tattoo Artists believe that most of their colleagues try to comply with the standards of Good Practice, and this attitude was boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effect of risk perception and COVID‑19 anxiety in pregnancy on decision‑making via the Internet and prenatal care quality:A cross‑sectional multivariate analysis

Background:Risk perception and COVID‑19 anxiety in pregnant women restrict access to health services,cause pregnant women to resort to alternative channels such as the Internet,and affect prenatal care quality(PCQ)negatively.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of risk perception and COVID‑19 anxiety in pregnancy on decision‑making via the Internet(DMI)and PCQ with multivariate analysis.Materials and Methods:This cross‑sectional study was conducted with 406 pregnant women selected using the convenience sampling method in a training and research hospital,in Turkey.The data were collected using the information form,the perception of pregnancy risk questionnaire,the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale,the DMI Scale,and the PCQ Scale.The data obtained were subject to descriptive analysis and the multivariate analysis of variance.Results:Approximately 24.9%of the pregnant women were found to have a high perception of risk and 18%had symptoms of COVID‑19 anxiety.Pregnant women with high COVID‑19 anxiety and a higher perception of risk perceived the Internet as less influential for decision‑making(P<0.05).Pregnant women with a high‑risk perception had lower PCQ(P<0.05).Conclusion:The findings can be used to enhance mental health and resilience in pregnant women and to formulate appropriate intervention strategies.

Survey and Analysis on the Status Quo of Occupational Risk Perception of Teachers in Public Vocational Colleges in an Underdeveloped Area

This paper selects the teachers of public higher vocational college(College A)in underdeveloped areas to participate in the analysis,and conducts a questionnaire survey using the occupational risk perception questionnaire of higher vocational teachers.A total of 223 higher vocational teachers were selected to participate in the survey in order to understand the status quo of occupational risk perception of higher vocational teachers.The survey results show that the Cronbach’sαcoefficient of occupational risk perception scale for higher vocational teachers is 0.846,and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin(KMO)is 0.871.The education legal liability risk,workload risk,and career development risk are the highest average occupational risk perception of higher vocational teachers.In conclusion,the occupational risk perception scale of higher vocational teachers compiled in this study has good reliability and validity.The occupational risk perceived by teachers in public higher vocational colleges is relatively high.

Farmers' Perception and Awareness and Factors Affecting Awareness of Farmers Regarding Crop Insurance as a Risk Coping Mechanism Evidence from Pakistan

This study has been conducted in three districts of Punjab Province namely, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajan Pur and Bahawalpur of Pakistan. The study showed the results of a survey of 300 farmers which was organized to assess awareness level of farmers regarding crop insurance, factors affecting the awareness level among farmers and the perception of farmers about crop insurance. Based on exploratory research work upon the responses of farmers, the average and standard deviation were calculated. Probit model was applied to explore the factors affecting the awareness level of farmers. SPSS was used for the analysis of the collected data. The results revealed that out of 300 farmers, 184 farmers were aware with crop insurance and rests of the 116 farmers were not aware. Banks and E-media were found to be the two most important sources of the awareness for the respondent farmers. In the study area, the climatic risks were reported as the most severe risks faced by the farmers. The results also revealed the existence of negative perceptions of the farmers about crop insurance i.e. farmers perceived crop insurance as a kind of tax and they believed premium was so high that it was out of range of poor farmers and only large scale farmers could afford it. Results obtained by applying Probit model revealed that ＂education＂ and ＂previously availed agricultural credit＂ were the two most important factors which affected the awareness of the farmers regarding crop insurance.

Are social embeddedness associated with food risk perception under media coverage?

Traceability system has received wide attention in solving food safety issues, via which food information could be tracked back to producer/farmers. Consumers need to obtain this information from producers or social networks, trust in the information,and consequently assess perceived risks, especially when food scandals are exposed to the media. In this study, we introduce the social embeddedness theory to understand how consumers’ social activities affect their risk perceptions on traceable food. Specifically, we investigate how risk perceptions are predicted by the interpersonal relationships, organizational level and social-level relationships. Results show that the interpersonal relationships were associated with lower levels of risk perceptions, while organizational and social relationships impacted consumer’s risk perceptions at middle and higher levels,respectively. Results also show that the "ripple effect" extended to effect of risk events with negative information, however,did not exist for the group exposed to positive information. Potential food safety implications have been proposed to identify for effective risk mitigation under media coverages.

Factors influencing hybrid maize farmers' risk attitudes and their perceptions in Punjab Province,Pakistan

Hybrid maize farmers have to face diverse kinds of climate, biological, price and financial risks. Farmers＇ risk perceptions and risk attitudes are essential elements influencing farm operations and management decisions. However, this important issue has been overlooked in the contemporary studies and therefore there is a dearth of literature on this important issue. The present research is therefore, an attempt to fill this gap. This study aims to quantify hybrid maize farmers＇ perceptions of disastrous risks, their attitudes towards risk and to explore the impacts of various farm and farm household factors on farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The present study is conducted in four hybrid maize growing districts of Punjab Province, Pakistan, using cross-sectional data of 400 hybrid maize farmers. Risk matrix and equally likely certainty equivalent （ELCE） method are used to rank farmers＇ perceptions of four catastrophic risk sources including climate, biological, price and financial risks and to investigate farmers＇ risk aversion attitudes, respectively. Furthermore, probit regression is used to analyze the determinants affecting farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The results of the study showed that majority of farmers are risk averse in nature and perceive price, biological and climate to be potential sources of risks to their farm enterprise. In addition, analysis divulges that distance from farm to main market, off-farm income, location dummies for Sahiwal and Okara, age, maize farming experience, access to extension agent, significantly （either negatively or positively） influence farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The study delivers valuable insights for farmers, agricultural insurance sector, extension services researchers and agricultural policy makers about the local understanding of risks to hybrid maize crop in developing countries, like Pakistan, and have implications for research on farmers＇ adaptation to exposed risks.

Nurses' and students' perception of risk from medical practices

Objectives: To determine the risk perceptions of a series of medical practices in non-expert (un-dergraduates) and expert (nurses) samples.Methods: Four hundred and forty-seven nurses and 246 undergraduate students participated in this study. They all answered questionnaires about the risk dimensions and acceptance for medical practices. Results: An exploratory factor analysis on participants' answers to various dimensions of risk yielded a two-factor structure for risk perception in both samples: for nurses, the factors were"Unknown"and"Dread,"while for students, they were"Dread"and"Lack of Independence."For both nurses and stu-dents, the factor scores of Dread negatively related to individual risk acceptance of medical practices. Furthermore, nurses tended to be more accepting of practices that they knew well (i.e., low Unknown scale scores). For students, the subscale scores of the Lack of Independence factor negatively related to individual risk acceptance only for health examination practices. Nurses conceived risks more correctly and concretely compared to students. This was especially pronounced for practices related to medication use. Conclusions: Although both nurses and students conceived various risk contents from medical practices, their conceptions still differed. Knowledge of these differences in the structure of risk perception and conceived risk contents of various medical practices between nurses and students could be utilized to improve risk communication in clinical practice.

Landslide risk perception and communication for disaster risk management in mountain areas of developing countries：a Mexican foretaste

The increasing impact of disasters at local,national,regional and global scales in recent decades has provided enough evidence to urgently direct attention towards the necessity of disaster risk reduction and management,and this requires knowledge.Knowledge without communication is barren,and to communicate the risk of disaster it is necessary to understand the perception of the people at risk.In particular,this paper deals with the necessity to delineate strategies of risk communication in pursuance of risk knowledge as a core of disaster risk reduction and management,especially in mountain areas of developing countries.To portray this issue,an analysis of landslide risk perception in terms of experience,landslide risk awareness,exposure,preparedness,and risk communication and trust was undertaken in the municipality of Teziutlán,Puebla,Mexico,an area that has been affected for several decades by episodes of mass movement.Analysis of the responses to a risk perception questionnaire has offered valuable insights in terms of the information and knowledge most required by the people living in the area of interest,in order to devise a realistic and functional strategy to communicate the risk of a landslide disaster.This includes better understanding of controlling factorsand drivers of this risk,and the establishment of potential trusted sources of risk communication.Beyond considering practical matters of risk assessment and management,risk perception and communication can increase the resilience of vulnerable people,and can enhance capacity building for present and future generations.

Urban Residents' Consumption Risk Perception about the Dairy Products

Based on the continuous downturn puzzle of Chinese dairy consumption,with the perception of consumption risk as a starting point,the paper deeply analyzes the main factors which cause the downturn of dairy product consumption of Chinese residents. The results show that the income elasticity of dairy consumption of Chinese urban residents is still notable; the occurrence of dairy safety incidents improves the perception of consumption risk,and accordingly it reduces the promoting role of income to the dairy consumption; the safety incident is the key factor which leads to the fall of dairy consumption of urban residents in recent years,and the perception of consumption risk of lower income group is clearly higher than that of higher income group.

An Empirical Study on the Impacts of Tourist Risk Perception on Tourist Motivation and Satisfaction in Xinjiang of China under the Background of the Belt and Road Initiative

Discussing the impact of the crisis in Xinjiang on tourists and tourism plays an important role in Xinjiang tourism industry leveraging the country’s the Belt and Road Initiative and policy support,and constructing the“Silk Road Economic Zone Core Area”and the“Silk Road Economic Zone Tourism Center”.Based on the questionnaire survey of tourists infamous tourism scenic spots,like Urumqi,Bortala Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture,Xinjiang,Hami,Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture,Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture,and so on.This study used literature analysis,multivariate statistical analysis,and structural equation model.This paper constructed a study on the mechanism and path of the impact of tourism risk perception on the tourism motive and the satisfaction degree of tourism.The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between tourism motivations and satisfaction,and there was also a significant positive correlation between tourism motivation and tourism satisfaction.The findings of this study provided scientific basis for quantitative decision-making for the crisis management in Xinjiang and the corresponding tourism marketing strategies.

Environmental risk and risk perception management in public health

When evaluating environmental risk and its perception, psychosocial and psychosomatic factors may be of fundamental importance for public health programming and the promotion of quality of life. This is the case in particular where knowledge of the true health consequences of environmental exposure to given risk factors are incomplete or its action is within the range of values where we do not anticipate the measurable biological effect. This applies not only in the case of the indoor environment related complaints but also to that of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation and electroionic microclimate, among many others. A serious consequence found in the syndrome of mass hysteria is the fact that due to differently motivated information and disinformation, part of the population can suffer from psychosomatic symptoms and deterioration quality of life for those affected.

Perception and prevalence of behavioral risk factors: the lifestyle risk scale (LRS)

Objective: To develop a lifestyle risk scale (LRS) of health-related behaviors based on risk assessments of study participants. Method: By means of pairwise comparisons of assessed risks associated with tobacco, alcohol, obesity, fast-food, physical inactivity, and lack of sleep, each at four levels, 24 behaviors were ranked on a unidimensional risk scale. Results: Overall, use of tobacco was assigned the highest risk score (3.7), consumption of fast-food and lack of sleep the lowest (1.7, 1.6). Minor risk factors (lack of sleep and fast-food) were, at their highest levels, assigned similar risk values as major risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, obesity) at their lowest levels. Lifestyles of female participants were less hazardous than those of male participants, as measured with the LRS. In contrast, perception of behavioral health risks was more precise in men. Conclusions: The LRS provides a practical quantification to identify and compare groups with different risk behavior patterns as well as clusters of risky health behaviors in and across populations. It can also support the communication of behavioral health risks.

Consumers' Perception of Risks,Awareness of Products and Willingness to Pay: A Case Study of Organic Milk

Based on survey data from Ji'nan city and some other cities in Shandong province,this paper conducted a research on consumers' perception degree of the food safety risk,and the awareness degree about organic food. Then taking organic milk as an example,the factors affecting the customers' buy willingness to pay for organic milk were analyzed by binary logit model and the willingness to pay was also calculated. The results show that the consumers' food safety risk perception degree is high,and the awareness about organic food is low. The consumers' age,level of education,whether the family has children below 12 years old,whether the family has a man( woman) older than 60years,health situation self-evaluation,organic food cognition and food safety risk perception have significant effect on customers' willingness to pay organic food. According to the calculation,the consumers were willing to pay a price premium of 60% for organic milk above ordinary milk.

Risk perception and knowledge of COVID-19 in patients with celiac disease

BACKGROUND We recently demonstrated that the odds of contracting coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in patients with celiac disease(CeD)is similar to that of the general population.However,how patients with CeD perceive their COVID-19 risk may differ from their actual risk.AIM To investigate risk perceptions of contracting COVID-19 in patients with CeD and determine the factors that may influence their perception.METHODS We distributed a survey throughout 10 countries between March and June 2020 and collected data on demographics,diet,COVID-19 testing,and risk perceptions of COVID-19 in patients with CeD.Participants were recruited through various celiac associations,clinic visits,and social media.Risk perception was assessed by asking individuals whether they believe patients with CeD are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 when compared to the general population.Logistic regression was used to determine the influencing factors associated with COVID-19 risk perception,such as age,sex,adherence to a gluten-free diet(GFD),and comorbidities such as cardiac conditions,respiratory conditions,and diabetes.Data was presented as adjusted odds ratios(aORs)RESULTS A total of 10737 participants with CeD completed the survey.From them,6019(56.1%)patients with CeD perceived they were at a higher risk or were unsure if they were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the non-CeD population.A greater proportion of patients with CeD perceived an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 when compared to infections in general due to their CeD(56.1%vs 26.7%,P<0.0001).Consequently,34.8%reported taking extra COVID-19 precautions as a result of their CeD.Members of celiac associations were less likely to perceive an increased risk of COVID-19 when compared to non-members(49.5%vs 57.4%,P<0.0001).Older age(aOR:0.99;95%CI:0.99 to 0.99,P<0.001),male sex(aOR:0.84;95%CI:0.76 to 0.93,P=0.001),and strict adherence to a GFD(aOR:0.89;95%CI:0.82 to 0.96,P=0.007)were associated with a lower perception of COVID-19 risk and the presence of comorbidities was associated with a higher perception of COVID-19 risk(aOR:1.38;95%CI:1.22 to 1.54,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Overall,high levels of risk perceptions,such as those found in patients with CeD,may increase an individual’s pandemic-related stress and contribute to negative mental health consequences.Therefore,it is encouraged that public health officials maintain consistent communication with the public and healthcare providers with the celiac community.Future studies specifically evaluating mental health in CeD could help determine the consequences of increased risk perceptions in this population.

Factors Affecting Disease Risk Perception and Self-Management Behaviors among Japanese Long-Term Overseas Volunteers

Introduction: Many overseas volunteers have worked in low and middle-income countries. However traveling abroad and staying in an unfamiliar environment with inadequate medical infrastructure exposes volunteers to a wide range of health risks. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationships among disease knowledge and symptoms, disease risk perception, and self-management skills. Methods: This was a questionnaire survey of 189 Japanese who were preparing to volunteer abroad. A factor analysis was conducted on 13 items (six general risk events and seven major diseases) of risk perception. Correlation analysis was performed between the identified risk perception factors and disease knowledge and symptoms. Risk perception scores by factors from the seven disease items were compared between the Self-management Score (SMS) group and disease knowledge and risk of symptoms group, using T-tests. St. Luke’s International University Ethics Committee (19-A092) approved this study. Results: Many participants expected to suffer from digestive diseases (69.3%) and dermatitis (55%) in the field. On the other hand, few expected high risk of malaria (26.5%) or dengue fever (36%). Factor analysis yielded robust factor loadings creating a “Dread” and an “Unknown” factor accounting for 62.2% of total variance. Strong correlation was not found between SMS and disease risk perception. A weak negative correlation was observed in dengue fever, digestive disorders, and dermatitis (r = −0.20 to −0.25, p < 0.001) on the “Unknown” factor. A high SMS score was associated with a lower “Unknown” factor score for malaria, diarrhea, dermatitis, and dental disorders. In addition, higher disease knowledge was significantly associated with higher “Dread” factor score for dental disorders. Conclusions: Self-management skills and disease knowledge will enable higher risk awareness of common diseases and high lethality diseases.

Factors Influencing Cassava Farmers’ Climate Change Risk Perception in Anambra State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the determinants of climate change risk perception among cassava farmers in Anambra state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers in the area and to examine the farmers’ climate change risk perception through examining their perception of the various sources of climate change risk. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and sixty (160) respondents who were selected from 40 communities and 8 Local Government Areas from across the four Agricultural Zones of the state. Data were obtained through the administration of structured questionnaire to the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, weighted mean obtained from Likert scale, and Tobit regression model. The results of the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers showed that majority of the farmers had formal education and only 15.19% had no formal education, 56.74% of the farmers had 11 years of farming experience. The farmers’ risk perception showed that the most important risk factors perceived by cassava farmers in their farm were flooding/erosion, increased frequency and intensity of rainfall and incidence of pest and diseases. The factors that influenced the farmers’ level of risk perception included age, level of education, access to extension agents and access to climate change information. Based on the findings of cassava farmers’ level of risk perception, it was inferred that the farmers have reasonable perception of climate change risk. It was therefore recommended from the findings of this research that there is need for effective and functional extension services and provision of enabling environment and policies that will help boost the socio-economic welfare of farmers as this will significantly help in the management of climate change risk in the study area.

Elderly African Americans Insights on the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study of Risk Perception and Personal, Social, and Cultural Factors

This exploratory study examined elderly African Americans attitudes on the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying their perceptions of risk based personal, social, and cultural factors. It seeks to understand their insights toward public health pandemic response initiatives and other efforts to mitigate COVID-19 outbreak response measures impacting elderly African Americans, including policies, interventions, and public information/communication. The effectiveness of pandemic response measures and community caregiving support for the elderly African Americans was examined as well. Respondents in this study were a convenient sample of 60 residents predominantly in a Midwestern metropolitan area. Respondents were eligible for study participation if 1) there were 60 years and over and, 2) African American or people of African descent. A mixed research method design comprising focus groups and online survey was used to collect the data for the study. The respondents characterized the impact of the coronavirus as a personal, family, and community loss (e.g., less socially engaged and burdensome). An overwhelming majority (98.3%) expressed no worries about getting health care if they or their family members needed it. A sizable number of respondents expressed the need for all to be tested to help prevent the spread of the virus.