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Pamela Carmen Cisternas
Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile

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Journal article
Published: 30 May 2021 in Sustainability
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Previous studies have reported differences between men and women in the adoption of preventive behaviors against infectious diseases. This study aims to examine gender differences on a set of psychosocial factors shown to influence preventive behaviors against infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We conducted a web survey (N = 1.004) a few weeks after the end of the peak of the first wave of infections in Chile. The survey assessed participants’ perception of risk and worry about the COVID-19 pandemic, confidence in the government’s competence and integrity in dealing with the crisis, attribution of responsibility to various stakeholders, and adoption of preventive behaviors such as hygiene, distancing, and information-seeking. Our results confirm significant gender-based differences for both the psychosocial factors and the adoption of preventive behaviors. We conclude that women show a higher level of worry and fear of the pandemic and are keener to adopt preventive hygiene and social distancing behaviors. Similarly, participants report a low level of trust in government authorities, with women reporting the lowest trust level. The implications of these findings for the design of future risk communication strategies are discussed.

ACS Style

Nicolás Bronfman; Paula Repetto; Paola Cordón; Javiera Castañeda; Pamela Cisternas. Gender Differences on Psychosocial Factors Affecting COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6148 .

AMA Style

Nicolás Bronfman, Paula Repetto, Paola Cordón, Javiera Castañeda, Pamela Cisternas. Gender Differences on Psychosocial Factors Affecting COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (11):6148.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicolás Bronfman; Paula Repetto; Paola Cordón; Javiera Castañeda; Pamela Cisternas. 2021. "Gender Differences on Psychosocial Factors Affecting COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors." Sustainability 13, no. 11: 6148.

Journal article
Published: 11 May 2021 in Sustainability
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The COVID-19 pandemic forced people worldwide to implement a series of preventive hygiene and distancing measures that have significantly altered their way of life. This study examined an adapted version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on adopting preventive behavior against COVID-19. Data was collected using a web survey completed by 1004 college students a few weeks after the first wave of infections in Chile. Our findings show that the subjective norm was the strongest predictor of adopting preventive behaviors, followed by the knowledge level and perceived behavioral control. Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence that an attitude towards preventive action predicted actual adoption of preventive behavior against COVID-19. However, knowledge and social norms play a significant role. We discuss implications for effective risk communication.

ACS Style

Nicolás Bronfman; Paula Repetto; Pamela Cisternas; Javiera Castañeda. Factors Influencing the Adoption of COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors in Chile. Sustainability 2021, 13, 5331 .

AMA Style

Nicolás Bronfman, Paula Repetto, Pamela Cisternas, Javiera Castañeda. Factors Influencing the Adoption of COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors in Chile. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (10):5331.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicolás Bronfman; Paula Repetto; Pamela Cisternas; Javiera Castañeda. 2021. "Factors Influencing the Adoption of COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors in Chile." Sustainability 13, no. 10: 5331.

Original research article
Published: 10 June 2020 in Risk Analysis
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Risk perception has been largely examined in studies that have aimed to explain and predict preparedness behavior in the context of natural hazards. Findings from studies on the relationship between previous experience, preparedness, and risk perception in disaster situations have been inconsistent. Hence, the main goal of this work was to explore the influence of physical and emotional experience on risk perception regarding natural hazards. This study was conducted in a statistically representative sample of the city of Iquique, in northern Chile (n = 701), who completed a survey one month after the occurrence of an earthquake and tsunami (8.2 Mw). The survey assessed the experience and preparation actions of survivors in relation to this event. Using a structural equation model, we examined nine proposed relationships, six of which were significant. The final model had an adequate fit (χ ² = 752.23, df = 283, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.90, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.049). Direct experience showed the greatest influence on risk perception: while direct physical experience (i.e., the physical and material consequences associated with the earthquake) maintained a direct positive effect on risk perception, direct emotional experience (i.e., the fear of experiencing an earthquake) produced an indirect positive effect (through worry). Emotional experience , however, did not directly influence current preparedness and risk perception. Implications for understanding the relationship between risk perception and direct experience are discussed.

ACS Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela C. Cisternas; Paula B. Repetto; Javiera V. Castañeda; Eliana Guic. Understanding the Relationship Between Direct Experience and Risk Perception of Natural Hazards. Risk Analysis 2020, 40, 2057 -2070.

AMA Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman, Pamela C. Cisternas, Paula B. Repetto, Javiera V. Castañeda, Eliana Guic. Understanding the Relationship Between Direct Experience and Risk Perception of Natural Hazards. Risk Analysis. 2020; 40 (10):2057-2070.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela C. Cisternas; Paula B. Repetto; Javiera V. Castañeda; Eliana Guic. 2020. "Understanding the Relationship Between Direct Experience and Risk Perception of Natural Hazards." Risk Analysis 40, no. 10: 2057-2070.

Research article
Published: 24 April 2019 in PLOS ONE
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The growing multi-hazard environment to which millions of people in the world are exposed highlights the importance of making sure that populations are increasingly better prepared. The objective of this study was to report the levels of preparedness of a community exposed to two natural hazards and identify the primary sociodemographic characteristics of groups with different preparedness levels. A survey was conducted on 476 participants from two localities of the Atacama Region in the north of Chile during the spring of 2015. Their level of preparedness at home and work was assessed to face two types of natural hazards: earthquakes and floods.The findings show that participants are significantly better prepared to face earthquakes than floods, which sends a serious warning to local authorities, given that floods have caused the greatest human and material losses in the region's recent history of natural disasters. Men claimed to be more prepared than women to face floods, something that the authors attribute to the particular characteristics of the main employment sectors for men and women in the region. The potential contribution of large companies on preparedness levels of communities in the areas in which they operate is discussed. The sociodemographic profile of individuals with the highest levels of preparedness in an environment with multiple natural hazards are people between 30 and 59 years of age, living with their partner and school-age children. The implications of the results pertaining to institutions responsible for developing disaster risk reduction plans, policies and programs in a multi-hazard environment are discussed.

ACS Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela C. Cisternas; Paula B. Repetto; Javiera V. Castañeda. Natural disaster preparedness in a multi-hazard environment: Characterizing the sociodemographic profile of those better (worse) prepared. PLOS ONE 2019, 14, e0214249 .

AMA Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman, Pamela C. Cisternas, Paula B. Repetto, Javiera V. Castañeda. Natural disaster preparedness in a multi-hazard environment: Characterizing the sociodemographic profile of those better (worse) prepared. PLOS ONE. 2019; 14 (4):e0214249.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela C. Cisternas; Paula B. Repetto; Javiera V. Castañeda. 2019. "Natural disaster preparedness in a multi-hazard environment: Characterizing the sociodemographic profile of those better (worse) prepared." PLOS ONE 14, no. 4: e0214249.

Chapter
Published: 18 April 2018 in Carbon Management, Technologies, and Trends in Mediterranean Ecosystems
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The way in which societies have evolved has resulted in serious deterioration of the current state of the environment. If we want to stop it, it is essential to understand the variables that influence people’s pro-environmental behaviours. In this chapter we describe the results of a study that characterized the pro-environmental behaviour of the citizens of Santiago, the capital of Chile, through the implementation of the Value-Belief-Norm model developed by Stern et al. (Hum Ecol Rev 6:81–98, 1999). Six dimensions of pro-environmental behaviour were evaluated: energy conservation, water conservation, consumption, biodiversity, waste and transport. The results suggest that the population has an ecological vision for the environment, being aware of the current environmental problems and recognising the responsibility that falls on the government, enterprises and households regarding the protection of the environment. Implications for enhancing pro-environmental behaviour are discussed.

ACS Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela C. Cisternas; Esperanza López-Vázquez. A Study on the Environmental Behaviour of Chilean Citizens. Carbon Management, Technologies, and Trends in Mediterranean Ecosystems 2018, 223 -235.

AMA Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman, Pamela C. Cisternas, Esperanza López-Vázquez. A Study on the Environmental Behaviour of Chilean Citizens. Carbon Management, Technologies, and Trends in Mediterranean Ecosystems. 2018; ():223-235.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela C. Cisternas; Esperanza López-Vázquez. 2018. "A Study on the Environmental Behaviour of Chilean Citizens." Carbon Management, Technologies, and Trends in Mediterranean Ecosystems , no. : 223-235.

Research article
Published: 31 October 2017 in PLOS ONE
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Researchers have previously reported that hazard proximity can influence risk perception among individuals exposed to potential hazards. Understanding this relationship among coastline communities at risk of flood events caused by storms and/or tsunamis, is important because hazard proximity, should be recognized when planning and implementing preparation and mitigation actions against these events. Yet, we are not aware of studies that have examined this relationship among coastline inhabitants facing the risk of a tsunami. Consequently, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between hazard proximity and perceived risk from tsunamis among coastline inhabitants. Participants were 487 residents of the coastal city of Iquique, Chile. They completed a survey during the spring of 2013 that assessed their perceived risk from several natural and non-natural hazards. We found that hazard proximity maintains a negative relationship with the perception of tsunami risk among coastline inhabitants. While this result confirms the general trend obtained in previous studies, this one is conclusive and significant. In contradiction with previous findings, we found that participants from the highest socioeconomic status reported the highest levels of risk perception. This finding can be explained by the fact that most participants from the highest socioeconomic status live closer to the coastline areas, so their risk perception reflects the place where they live, that is in a tsunami inundation zone. Once again, hazard proximity proved to be a determinant factor of risk perception. Our findings have important implications for the development of plans and programs for tsunami preparedness and mitigation. These indicate that individuals do use environmental cues to evaluate their own risk and can potentially make correct choices when having or not to evacuate. Also suggest that preparedness should incorporate how hazard proximity is recognized by individuals and communities at risk.

ACS Style

Juan Pablo Arias; Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela Carmen Cisternas; Paula B. Repetto. Hazard proximity and risk perception of tsunamis in coastal cities: Are people able to identify their risk? PLOS ONE 2017, 12, e0186455 .

AMA Style

Juan Pablo Arias, Nicolás C. Bronfman, Pamela Carmen Cisternas, Paula B. Repetto. Hazard proximity and risk perception of tsunamis in coastal cities: Are people able to identify their risk? PLOS ONE. 2017; 12 (10):e0186455.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Juan Pablo Arias; Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela Carmen Cisternas; Paula B. Repetto. 2017. "Hazard proximity and risk perception of tsunamis in coastal cities: Are people able to identify their risk?" PLOS ONE 12, no. 10: e0186455.

Journal article
Published: 21 November 2015 in Natural Hazards
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It has been found that both preparedness for disasters and public response are significantly influenced by risk perceptions and trust in authorities and experts. Although Chile is a country with a long history of natural disasters, few studies have evaluated the risk perceptions of natural hazards or the degree of social trust. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk perception in Chile regarding various natural hazards and the degree of trust on authorities and institutions. A survey was conducted in five major cities in Chile during the year 2013 and was completed by a total sum of 2054 participants. We assessed risk perception of nine natural hazards and the level of trust in ten national institutions and authorities. According to declared levels of trust, the institutions and authorities included in this study were categorized into three groups: (1) low trust, which included governmental authorities and institutions; (2) medium trust, formed by institutions with educational and preparation roles; and (3) high trust, formed by institutions and authorities responsible for maintaining public order and conducting rescue and aid operations. Although our results show that earthquakes, tsunamis and wildfires were natural hazards of greatest concern to the national population, they also reflect that there are specific additional concerns in different cities that are coherent with their individual history of natural disasters. Implications for natural disaster risk preparedness are discussed.

ACS Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela Carmen Cisternas; Esperanza López-Vázquez; Luis A. Cifuentes. Trust and risk perception of natural hazards: implications for risk preparedness in Chile. Natural Hazards 2015, 81, 307 -327.

AMA Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman, Pamela Carmen Cisternas, Esperanza López-Vázquez, Luis A. Cifuentes. Trust and risk perception of natural hazards: implications for risk preparedness in Chile. Natural Hazards. 2015; 81 (1):307-327.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela Carmen Cisternas; Esperanza López-Vázquez; Luis A. Cifuentes. 2015. "Trust and risk perception of natural hazards: implications for risk preparedness in Chile." Natural Hazards 81, no. 1: 307-327.

Journal article
Published: 20 October 2015 in Sustainability
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Environmental protection and restoration are some of the major challenges faced by our society. To address this problem, it is fundamental to understand pro-environmental behaviors in the population, as well as the factors that determine them. There are, however, very few studies conducted in Latin America that are focused in understanding the environmental behavior of its citizens. The main goal of this research was to study the environmental behaviors of a Chilean community and identify the factors that determine them. To that end, a diverse set of environmental behaviors (power and water conservation, environmentally-aware consumer behavior, biodiversity protection, rational automobile use and ecological waste management) and sociodemographic and attitudinal factors—based on the VBN model—were evaluated. Survey data was obtained from a statistically representative sample (N = 1537) in Santiago, Chile. Our results suggest that several participants displayed tendencies that favor more responsible environmental behaviors, with high environmental concern, and demonstrating their ample awareness of the consequences of failing to protect the environment. Nevertheless, the highest average scores of environmental behavior were related to low cost behaviors and those that imposed the fewest behavioral restrictions. In global terms, we concluded that the youngest subjects in the lowest socioeconomic group obtained the lowest scores across the pro-environmental behavior spectrum.

ACS Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela Carmen Cisternas; Esperanza López-Vázquez; Cristóbal De La Maza; Juan Carlos Oyanedel. Understanding Attitudes and Pro-Environmental Behaviors in a Chilean Community. Sustainability 2015, 7, 14133 -14152.

AMA Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman, Pamela Carmen Cisternas, Esperanza López-Vázquez, Cristóbal De La Maza, Juan Carlos Oyanedel. Understanding Attitudes and Pro-Environmental Behaviors in a Chilean Community. Sustainability. 2015; 7 (10):14133-14152.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nicolás C. Bronfman; Pamela Carmen Cisternas; Esperanza López-Vázquez; Cristóbal De La Maza; Juan Carlos Oyanedel. 2015. "Understanding Attitudes and Pro-Environmental Behaviors in a Chilean Community." Sustainability 7, no. 10: 14133-14152.

Journal article
Published: 18 July 2014 in Environmental Science & Technology
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To further the understanding and implementation of expert elicitation methods in the evaluation of public policies related to air pollution, the present study's main goal was to explore the potential strengths and weaknesses of structured expert judgment (SEJ) methodology as a way to derive a C-R function for chronic PM(2.5) exposure and premature mortality in Chile. Local experts were classified in two groups according to background and experience: physicians (Group 1) and engineers (Group 2). Experts were required to provide an estimate of the true percent change in nonaccidental mortality resulting from a permanent 1 μg/m(3) reduction in PM2.5 annual average ambient concentration across the entire Chilean territory. Cooke's Classical Model was used to combine the individual experts' assessments. Experts' mortality estimations varied markedly across groups: while experts in Group 1 delivered higher estimations than those reported in major international cohort studies, estimations from Group 2 were, to varying degrees, anchored to previous studies. Accordingly, combined distributions for each group and all experts were significantly different, due to the high sensitivity of the weighted distribution to experts' performance in calibration variables. Results of this study suggest that, while the use of SEJ has great potential for estimating C-R functions for chronic exposure to PM2.5 and premature mortality and its major sources of uncertainty in countries where no studies are available, its successful implementation is conditioned by a number of factors, which are analyzed and discussed.

ACS Style

Pamela Carmen Cisternas; Nicolás C. Bronfman; Raquel B. Jiménez; Luis A. Cifuentes; Cristóbal De La Maza. Structured Expert Judgment to Characterize Uncertainty between PM2.5 Exposure and Mortality in Chile. Environmental Science & Technology 2014, 48, 9717 -9727.

AMA Style

Pamela Carmen Cisternas, Nicolás C. Bronfman, Raquel B. Jiménez, Luis A. Cifuentes, Cristóbal De La Maza. Structured Expert Judgment to Characterize Uncertainty between PM2.5 Exposure and Mortality in Chile. Environmental Science & Technology. 2014; 48 (16):9717-9727.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pamela Carmen Cisternas; Nicolás C. Bronfman; Raquel B. Jiménez; Luis A. Cifuentes; Cristóbal De La Maza. 2014. "Structured Expert Judgment to Characterize Uncertainty between PM2.5 Exposure and Mortality in Chile." Environmental Science & Technology 48, no. 16: 9717-9727.