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Identifying Public Perceptions of Information on Harmful Algal Blooms to Guide Effective Risk Communication

Abstract

Accurate, understandable, and reliable information is crucial during and after a harmful algal bloom (HAB) event. This qualitative descriptive study examined perceptions of residents near Lake Erie’s western basin about where they received HAB information, what information was most important, and which sources they found most credible. A total of nine focus groups with Lucas County, Ohio, residents were videotaped, and the content was transcribed. We applied Colaizzi’s rigorous method of content analysis to make sense of the data. The majority of 93 participants self-identified as White females between the ages of 40 and 59 years. From the focus groups, four themes emerged: 1) seeking prompt and clear notification about severe HABs, 2) realizing opportunities to learn about HABs, 3) pushing an agenda instead of relaying the facts, and 4) desiring credible information from trustworthy sources. Effective risk communication should provide information about severe events in an understandable and timely manner, convey unbiased facts, deliver information from sources seen as trustworthy, and use existing opportunities in the community to provide education. Although every HAB event is unique, these findings can inform other regions at risk for HABs. 

Volume: 85
Number: 7
Pages: 26-31
Published: March 2023

Authors

  • April Ames, PhD, CIH, University of Toledo College of Health and Human Services 
  • Victoria Steiner, PhD, University of Toledo College of Health and Human Services 
  • Ashleigh Konopka, MPH, MSOH-IH, University of Toledo College of Health and Human Services 
  • Mary Ward, MSOH-IH, University of Toledo College of Health and Human Services 
  • Eric J. Zgodzinski, MPH, DrPH, RS, CPH, Toledo–Lucas County Health Department 

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