The role of visuals in the perceptions of risk, perceptions of self-efficiency and behaviors against the epidemic in the period of COVID-19

In crises, especially in serious public health problems such as pandemic, it is extremely important to reach the target audience effectively. In this process, the use of visuals helps to convey risk messages effectively. In order to control the pandemic and prevent its spread, individuals' risk perception, self-efficacy and behaviors towards the pandemic are of great importance. The aim of this study is to measure how the visuals those individuals are exposed to about the Covid-19 pandemic affect their perceived risk level and self-efficacy for the pandemic and how these effects will affect their behavior towards the pandemic. For the implementation of the research, quantitative data were collected from 360 personnel working in Biga Municipality with the help of scales and questionnaires. Structural equation modeling, t-test and ANOVA techniques analyzed the data collected in the survey conducted in the survey model. According to the research results, female employees' interest in visuals and their perceived risk level are significantly higher than male employees are. Education level also creates significant differences in terms of interest and perceived risk towards visuals. According to the results of the research model, the research factors affect each other positively. Individuals' interest in visuals increases their perceived risk and self-efficacy perceptions. Perceived risk and self-efficacy for the epidemic, on the other hand, affect their behavior towards the epidemic.