Quantifying urban-rural disparities in COVID-19 risk perception: a case of Rawalpindi district, Pakistan

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed public health vulnerabilities. Risk perception is a key factor in adopting protective, preventive, and precautionary measures against the pandemic. This study aims to identify the differences in perceptions of COVID-19 risk between urban and rural areas. Using Yamane’s formula for sample size, 500 samples were collected, divided equally between urban and rural settlements, from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Data were collected via questionnaires from a random sample of households. The 27 risk perception indicators were grouped into four dimensions, i.e., fear and likelihood, awareness, preventive measures, and trust. Data analysis was carried out using a self-constructed risk perception index. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in the four dimensions of risk perception between urban and rural communities. Urban risk perception was observed to be higher in urban communities than in rural communities, with a p-value of < 0.001. The study concludes that fear, likelihood, and preventive measures were significantly higher. However, awareness and trust dimensions were higher for rural communities. The findings suggest that pandemic risk reduction and communication efforts must be tailored. The study can assist decision-makers, public health authorities, and emergency managers in developing effective strategies for mitigating future pandemic risks.