Risk communication and community preparedness in the context of biotechnological hazards: A case of NBAF

Abstract

Applying the Protection Motivation Theory, this study examines factors affecting community preparedness in the context of biotechnological hazards. In particular, residents living nearby the National Bio and Agro‐Defence Facility (NBAF), a biosafety level‐4 facility currently under construction, were surveyed. The survey assessed residents' perceptions of key risk communication elements, transparency, consistency, and source, as well as risk perception, knowledge, collective efficacy, involvement, civic engagement behaviours, and preparedness perceptions. Results indicate that sources such as local organisations and mass media, as opposed to social media and word‐of‐mouth, are more reliable and lead to increased knowledge. The structural model suggests that transparent and consistent risk communication leads to community preparedness through knowledge, involvement, risk perception, and collective efficacy. Theoretical implications for the Protection Motivation Theory and practical implications for risk communication regarding biotechnological hazards are discussed.