2024, Vol.23, No.2

Health Communication Research 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.75

pISSN : 2093-2707 / eISSN : 2671-5856
https://journal.kci.go.kr/hcr

This study investigated the influence of numeracy literacy on Intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 through a path analysis. Specifically, we focused on three research contents. First, we examined the direct effect of numeracy literacy on perception of vaccination risk. Second, we explored whether the indirect effect of numeracy literacy on intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 was mediated by perception of vaccination risk and negative feelings about vaccination. Finally, we analyzed whether the degree of fear of COVID-19 and differences in political ideology moderated the relationship between numeracy literacy, perception of vaccination risk, negative feelings about vaccination, and intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Our findings revealed that higher numeracy literacy was associated with lower vaccine risk perception. Additionally, both “perception of vaccination risk” and “negative feelings about vaccination” significantly mediated the indirect effect, indicating that numeracy literacy influenced intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Notably, the path between numeracy literacy, perception of vaccination risk, negative feelings about vaccination, and intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 was not significantly influenced by the degree of fear of COVID-19 or differences in political ideology. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of numeracy literacy in the vaccination decision-making process.

Despite milk's crucial role in promoting national health and food security, few studies have explored milk-related reporting issues in the news media. This study aims to provide a comprehensive view of various milk-related stakeholders' perspectives by analyzing news big data. We conducted semantic network analysis and topic modeling using generative AI on 1,338 milk consumption-related news articles from the past five years. The analysis identified positive topics such as consumer health, food safety, pricing policies, reusable packaging, sustainable consumption and the subscription economy, new product development in the protein market, and efficiency in logistics and distribution systems. Notably, the increase in organic milk and dairy product consumption and the positive impact of coffee and milk combinations on milk consumption were significant issues. Conversely, negative issues included declining milk consumption, the rise of plant-based alternatives, increasing milk prices, low birth rates and demographic changes, and decreased consumption due to COVID-19. By tracking changes in specific keywords and positive/negative issues related to milk consumption highlighted by the news media over the past five years, this study presents both the challenges and opportunities facing the milk industry. It is expected to provide insights for developing multifaceted milk consumption promotion strategies for policymakers, dairy farmers, consumers, and media professionals in the milk industry.

In an era of rapid scientific and technological advancement, public engagement in risk and science communication has become increasingly crucial. This study delves into the multifaceted concept of public engagement, exploring its significance in forging social consensus and agreement. Through online interviews with a focus group of 10 neuroscientists, a field at the forefront of scientific communication, the study examines the various dimensions of communication challenges faced by neuroscientists. Further, we sought to find out about the current state of science communication in Korea as perceived by neuroscientists. Additionally, the study explores the methodological discussions necessary for engaging the public prior to the societal application of brain-based technologies. The findings reveal internal conflicts among neuroscientists regarding the legitimacy of research methods and the scientific basis of research results. They also highlight the polarization between patient treatment and researcher-driven research. Moreover, neuroscientists expressed concerns about the potential misuse of research results in social applications, emphasizing the need to consider both the positive and negative aspects of scientific breakthroughs. The study concludes by advocating for collaborative efforts between scientists, humanities scholars, social scientists, lawyers, and other experts to foster public interest and participation in the social application of new technologies. This exploratory study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of public engagement from the integrated perspective of risk and science communication.