Florida Red Tide Knowledge and Risk Perception: Is there a need for tailored messaging?

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Marine Biology
• Public Health Communication

Background:

• Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by *Karenia brevis* (Florida red tide) are recurrent in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Toxic aerosols from Florida red tide are linked to acute and chronic health issues, impacting coastal communities and tourism.
• Previous research highlighted significant social and economic consequences of these blooms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of public outreach regarding Florida red tide.
• To identify potential needs for tailored messaging among diverse user groups.
• To assess changes in knowledge and risk perception related to Florida red tide.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 303 participants, including local residents and 'snowbirds', with and without asthma.
• The questionnaire assessed knowledge and risk perception of Florida red tide using established survey items.
• Data were analyzed to compare knowledge and risk perception across different demographic and health groups.

Main Results:

• Overall knowledge of Florida red tide remained unchanged across groups, unaffected by age, gender, or education.
• Knowledge regarding seafood consumption during red tide events significantly declined.
• Risk perception notably increased among individuals with asthma.

Conclusions:

• Public understanding of Florida red tide risks, particularly concerning seafood, has diminished.
• Asthma patients exhibit heightened risk perception, indicating a need for targeted health advisories.
• Public health communicators must develop more effective outreach strategies and delivery methods for red tide information.