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Accuracy of perceptions of heart attack risk: What influences perceptions and can they be changed?

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  • Avis, N.E.
  • Smith, K.W.
  • McKinlay, J.B.

Abstract

Using perceived risk of a heart attack, we examined the relative importance of perceived risk factors and sociodemographic variables on subjects' perception of heart attack risk, the relationship between perceived and objectively measured heart attack risk, and the effect of health risk appraisal (HRA) feedback on risk perceptions. Data derive from a random sample of 732 Greater Boston, Massachusetts area men and women ages 25-65 years, who participated in a field trial of health risk appraisal instruments. At baseline and approximately two months later, all respondents completed a questionnaire assessing their own health-related behavior, risk factors, and perception of heart attack risk. At baseline, respondents also completed one of our HRA instruments. Physiologic measures of cholesterol, blood pressures, and weight were taken at either baseline or follow-up visit. Results showed that respondents used established risk factors in estimating overall risk; that compared to objective measures of risk, a high percentage of respondents displayed an optimistic bias; and that HRA feedback had some effect on perception of heart attack risk for those at high risk. Implications of these results for health promotion are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Avis, N.E. & Smith, K.W. & McKinlay, J.B., 1989. "Accuracy of perceptions of heart attack risk: What influences perceptions and can they be changed?," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 79(12), pages 1608-1612.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1989:79:12:1608-1612_7
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrea D. Gurmankin & Jonathan Baron & Katrina Armstrong, 2004. "Intended Message Versus Message Received in Hypothetical Physician Risk Communications: Exploring the Gap," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(5), pages 1337-1347, October.
    2. Joan Costa i Font, "undated". "Estimación de las percepciones de riesgos: Comunicación sanitaria Y sesgos de percepción," Studies on the Spanish Economy 85, FEDEA.
    3. Laure Sabatier & Spencer Moore, 2015. "Do Our Friends and Relatives Help Us Better Assess Our Health? Examining the Role of Social Networks in the Correspondence Between Self-Rated Health and Having Metabolic Syndrome," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(3), pages 21582440156, September.
    4. Caroline Rudisill, 2013. "How do we handle new health risks? Risk perception, optimism, and behaviors regarding the H1N1 virus," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(8), pages 959-980, September.
    5. Craig Trumbo & Michelle A. Meyer & Holly Marlatt & Lori Peek & Bridget Morrissey, 2014. "An Assessment of Change in Risk Perception and Optimistic Bias for Hurricanes Among Gulf Coast Residents," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 34(6), pages 1013-1024, June.
    6. T. van der Weijden & B. van Steenkiste & H.E.J.H. Stoffers & D.R.M. Timmermans & R. Grol, 2007. "Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in General Practice: Mismatch between Cardiovascular Risk and Patients' Risk Perceptions," Medical Decision Making, , vol. 27(6), pages 754-761, November.

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