Fear appeals, individuals' cognitive-behavioral responses, and willingness to pay for safe water in fluoride-contaminated regions

被引：0
作者：
Gutierrez, Luciano [1 ]
Sanna, Carlo [2 ]
Sabbagh, Maria [2 ]
Nocella, Giuseppe [3 ,4 ]
Idini, Alfredo [5 ]
Carletti, Alberto [6 ]
Frau, Franco [7 ]
机构：
[1] Department of Agricultural Sciences and Desertification Research Centre, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/B, Sassari
[2] Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/B, Sassari
[3] Department of Management, University of Verona, Via Cantarane, 24, Verona
[4] School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading
[5] Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari
[6] Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, Cagliari
[7] Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato (CA) - Blocco A – Geologia
来源：
Science of the Total Environment | 2024年 / 957卷
关键词：
Contingent valuation; de-fluoridation technologies; Extended Parallel Process Model; Fluoride; Groundwater; Risk communication;
D O I：
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177670
中图分类号：
学科分类号：
摘要：
In rural areas with high fluoride concentrations in groundwater, affordable and effective de-fluoridation technologies can significantly reduce the likelihood of being affected by fluorosis-related illnesses, such as skeletal fluorosis. This is particularly significant in areas where groundwater is the primary or sole drinking water source, such as the Rift Valley of Tanzania. Despite the availability of technologies, people's use of de-fluoridation devices still needs to be improved. This study investigates the potential impact of fear appeals on promoting protective behaviors and willingness to pay for fluoride-free water. The fear appeal emphasizes the negative health effects of drinking water with high fluoride levels and suggests using water from a specific de-fluoridation device to reduce the risk of being affected by skeletal fluorosis. To analyze the impact of the fear appeal, we use the Extended Parallel Process Model within a contingent valuation survey conducted in the Rift Valley of Tanzania. Results show that the theoretical components of this model have varying roles in the presence and absence of health risk perceptions. Respondents who receive health risk information are more willing to pay for fluoride-free water than other participants and are interested in adopting precautionary behavior. Governmental institutions and donors should collaborate to improve education on the health risks of drinking water with high fluoride concentrations. Additionally, they should work on enhancing de-fluoridation technology and developing effective risk communication strategies, specifically focusing on individuals' cognitive-behavioral outcomes. © 2024
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