Perception of risk for Domoic Acid related health problems: A Cross-cultural study.
Risk perception is a complex process that refers to the way people approach, think about and interpret risks in their environment. An important element of risk perception is that it is culturally situated. Since HAB's can present a health risk in many places around the world, looking at cultural parameters for understanding and interpreting risks are important. This study examined how two different groups of people perceive the potential health risks of low level exposure to domoic acid (DA) through razor clam consumption. The risk perceptions of Washington State, USA coastal dwelling Native American nations (NA) were compared to that of a community sample of recreational razor clam harvesters (CRH). Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that cultural and community specific contexts impact the perception of risk of a DA related illness. Specifically, the NA sample was distinguished by worrying more about ocean pollution, attributing DA risks to climate change, expressing concerns about the potential impact of DA on future generations, and feeling better informed than the CRH group. The CRH group were more likely to attribute the DA problem to anthropogenic or industrial causes; and view the risk of health problems as lower than that associated with smoking, high cholesterol, anxiety or depression, alcoholism, high blood pressure or obesity. The CRH group was also more likely to turn to the media for DA related information. Both groups trust the decisions of state and tribe health and natural resources officials and demonstrated a complex pattern of findings that involved gender. It was recommended that risk communication and outreach activities are designed to take into consideration factors that specifically apply to each cultural community.
Department of Neurology: Division of Neuropsychology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St. 3 Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Sparkle M
SM
Roberts
Department of Neurology: Division of Neuropsychology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St. 3 Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Lynn M
LM
Grattan
Department of Neurology: Division of Neuropsychology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St. 3 Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201; Department of Integrative Health Science, Stetson University and University of Maryland School of Medicine, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32723.
Alexandra C
AC
Toben
Department of Neurology: Division of Neuropsychology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St. 3 Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Christina
C
Ausherman
Marine Biotoxins Program, NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Blvd. E., Seattle, WA 98112.
Vera
V
Trainer
Department of Epidemiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Kate
K
Tracy
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road; Box 100009, Gainesville, FL 32610.
J Glenn
JG
Morris
Risk perception; cross cultural; domoic acid; harmful algal blooms; razor clam toxicity; risk communication