Examining How Communication and Knowledge Relate to Singaporean Youths’ Perceived Risk of Haze and Intentions to Take Preventive Behaviors

ABSTRACT

As Southeast Asia has experienced haze crises in recent years, encouraging Singaporeans to take preventive measures against negative health outcomes during haze is a growing concern. This study examines how communication factors (i.e., attention to traditional media and new media, interpersonal discussion, and knowledge) can inform Singaporeans about haze and influence their risk perceptions and intentions to undertake self-protective measures. The web survey of 410 respondents shows that attention to traditional media, attention to new media, interpersonal discussion, knowledge, and risk perception are positively associated with intention to take preventive measures. However, only interpersonal discussion is related to risk perception. Theoretical as well as practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Funding

This research project was supported by Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) Research Grant [M4081244], Nanyang Technological University.

Disclosure Statement

The authors have neither financial interest nor benefit from the direct applications of the study.