Self-Efficacy and Other Considerations in Performance of Risk-Reducing Behaviors during a Major Disease Outbreak

Abstract

This study uses the construct of crisis self-efficacy to examine the importance of different considerations in individuals’ decisions to perform recommended safeguarding behaviors during the 2016 Zika virus outbreak. A national survey in the U.S. (n = 370) was administered using a validated crisis self-efficacy scale in late summer 2016, amidst the global crisis. Relationships between crisis self-efficacy and preparedness were assessed. Other considerations such as risk, proximity, and time/money resources required were examined for their importance in decisions to follow safeguarding protocol. Crisis self-efficacy significantly predicted evaluations of preparedness but not of perceived Zika risk. Also, advisories issued from state and federal health agencies influenced individuals’ perceptions of preparedness. Results indicate public health information officers should assess publics’ levels of crisis self-efficacy in strategic message design. State and federal advisories were important to individual assessments of preparedness. Further, results show the threat needs to be presented to audiences in clear, specific terms.