Models and components of risk communication in disasters
Citation: Fathollahzadeh A, Salmani I, Morowatisharifabad MA, et al. Models and components in disaster risk communication: a systematic literature review. Journal of Education and Health Promotion. 2023;12:87.
Language: Abstract and full text available in EN.
Free to view: Yes.
Funding sources: Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
What is this? In this systematic literature review, the authors searched for studies about models and components of risk communication in disasters that were man-made or caused by natural hazards. They restricted their searches to articles published between 1980 and 2020 and did their search in 2020. They did not restrict their searches by type or language of publication. The authors found 32 studies.
What was found? The authors identified 115 components and categorised them into five groups (message, message sender, message receiver, message environment, and message process). The message and its content help stakeholders to identify risks, maintain continuity, and adapt to the needs of different audiences. The message sender includes details of dissemination. The message receiver identifies the various characteristics of the receiver. The message environment plays a crucial role in risk communication because risk perception is shaped by factors such as lived experiences, cultural beliefs, and social dynamics. Finally, the message process refers to message exchange among organisations and groups. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of public participation by sharing opinions and active involvement in the process.
Implications: Risk communication improves disaster management. The authors stated that key components need to be identified for models of risk communication so that risks can be communicated in a timely and effective manner.
Other considerations: The authors of the review did not discuss their findings in the context of issues relating to health equity.
This summary was written by Eszter Szocs, checked by Grace Meng and finalized by William Summerskilll.