The Relation of Communication to Risk Judgment and Preventive Behavior Related to Lead in Tap Water

Authors

Robert Griffin, Marquette UniversityFollow
Sharon Dunwoody, University of Wisconsin - MadisonFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

27 p.

Publication Date

2000

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Source Publication

Health Communication

Source ISSN

1041-0236

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1207/S15327027HC1201_05

Abstract

More and more communities are becoming concerned about health risks posed by lead and other health hazards in their drinking water. Our study, applying the model of innovation diffusion to the adoption of preventive health behaviors, found that reliance on health professionals for information about lead in tap water was associated with residents perceiving risk from this hazard, their sense of efficacy in dealing with it, and their adoption of preventive behaviors. Mass media and pamphlets mailed directly to residents were relatively ineffective. Results suggest that interpersonal channels may be the best way to reach individuals who live in areas of highest risk from tap water lead.

Comments

Health Communication, Vol. 12, No. 1 (2000): 81-107. DOI.

Recommended Citation

Griffin, Robert and Dunwoody, Sharon, "The Relation of Communication to Risk Judgment and Preventive Behavior Related to Lead in Tap Water" (2000). College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications. 230.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/comm_fac/230