Factors Influencing Iranians' Risk Perception of Covid-19

Today, risk perception goes beyond the individual subject and has a social, cultural and ideological significance. Since the only way to reduce risk in the community is to increase the risk perception of the majority of the population in the community, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing Iranians' risk perception of COVID-19 disease.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using an online questionnaire among Iranian users of social networks. After convenience sampling, data were analyzed by SPSS and Amos software.

Findingsshowed that out of 1265 observations, 364 persons from 20 provinces have completed the questionnaire during the period February 25 to March 2, 2020. The second-order confirmatory factor analysis test indicated; Religious-cultural, political, cognitive, social, and emotional factors are influence in Iranians' risk perception of Covid-19 disease. Tests also showed; Religious and cultural factors had the highest positive correlation and emotional factors had the most negative correlation with Iranians' risk perception of covid-19 disease.

Considering the importance of the role of socio-political and religious factors, it is suggested that the executive and cultural authorities of the country should strive to improve the Iranian risk perception of covid-19.