The objective of this study was to assess whether having a commonly identified risk factor for certain chronic diseases or accidents predicted higher perceptions of risk for those health problems. Survey data from 618 adults in a south-eastern metropolitan area were used. Health status and socio-demographic measures were identified as risk factors and examined as predictors. Results were that older, less healthy adults saw themselves at greater risk for cancer and heart disease. Younger men did not see themselves at greater risk for traffic accidents. Selected risk factors for heart disease and cancer were more important in predicting risk perceptions for those diseases than selected risk factors for traffic-related injury. It is concluded that individuals are less aware of their traffic-accident risk factors and more aware of their chronic-disease risk factors. (A)
Abstract