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Perceived Importance of Public Health Risks in Greece: A Nationwide Survey of the Adult Population

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  • Anna Tzortzi

    (George D. Behrakis Research Lab, Hellenic Cancer Society, 11521 Athens, Greece
    Institute of Public Health, The American College of Greece, 15342 Athens, Greece)

  • Melpo Kapetanstrataki

    (George D. Behrakis Research Lab, Hellenic Cancer Society, 11521 Athens, Greece)

  • Georgios Rachiotis

    (Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece)

  • Vaso Evangelopoulou

    (George D. Behrakis Research Lab, Hellenic Cancer Society, 11521 Athens, Greece)

  • Eleni Leventou

    (School of Allied and Public Health Professions, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK)

  • Panagiotis Behrakis

    (George D. Behrakis Research Lab, Hellenic Cancer Society, 11521 Athens, Greece
    Institute of Public Health, The American College of Greece, 15342 Athens, Greece
    Athens Medical Center, 15125 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

The current study is the first to examine the perceptions of the Greek public towards selected health risks and prioritize perceived risk importance and the needs to be addressed for public health promotion. Participants were asked to consider the individual importance of selected risks and the top three most important risks. Data collection took place on February 2020 in a representative sample of the adult Greek population. Differences between groups were assessed with Chi-square tests. Logistic regression models were used to identify perceptions based on participants’ characteristics. Analysis was conducted in Stata 14, and 1976 adults participated in the survey: 48% male and 52% female. Road accidents, cancer and air pollution and environmental protection were considered the top three most important public health risks. Differences were observed between sexes; females were more concerned regarding the importance of the examined public health risks, and between age groups, younger ages considered STDs and contraception more important than older ages. Finally, non-smokers considered exercise and smoking to be more important than smokers. This is the first study to present and grade the public’s perceptions on the importance of public health risks in Greece. Our study’s prioritization of health risks could aid health authorities in improving and promoting the overall public health in Greece.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Tzortzi & Melpo Kapetanstrataki & Georgios Rachiotis & Vaso Evangelopoulou & Eleni Leventou & Panagiotis Behrakis, 2021. "Perceived Importance of Public Health Risks in Greece: A Nationwide Survey of the Adult Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8256-:d:608140
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Melissa Gallina & Allison Williams, 2014. "Perceptions of Air Quality and Sense of Place among Women in Northeast Hamilton, Ontario, Canada," International Journal of Social Science Studies, Redfame publishing, vol. 2(3), pages 67-77, July.
    2. Simou, Effie & Koutsogeorgou, Eleni, 2014. "Effects of the economic crisis on health and healthcare in Greece in the literature from 2009 to 2013: A systematic review," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 115(2), pages 111-119.
    3. Daniel Krewski & Michelle C. Turner & Louise Lemyre & Jennifer E.C. Lee, 2012. "Expert vs. public perception of population health risks in Canada," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(6), pages 601-625, June.
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