A Risk Perception and Communication-Based Model of Injury Prevention Behaviors for Fall Prevention among Novice Horseback Riders

The purpose of this study was to examine the structural relationships among fall risk perception, risk communication, and injury prevention behaviors among novice horseback riders. A total of 188 university students participated in this study, and data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire. The survey consisted of items measuring fall risk perception, risk communication, injury prevention behaviors, and behavioral change. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0 and AMOS 29.0 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM).<br/> The results indicated that the proposed model demonstrated a good fit. Risk communication had significant positive effects on fall risk perception, injury prevention behaviors, and behavioral change. In contrast, fall risk perception did not directly affect injury prevention behaviors but showed a significant influence on behavioral change. Additionally, all variables were positively correlated, confirming interrelationships among fall risk perception, risk communication, and injury prevention behaviors.<br/> These findings suggest that improving risk awareness alone may not be sufficient to enhance injury prevention behaviors. Rather, active risk communication—sharing and discussing information about potential riding hazards—plays a crucial role in promoting actual behavioral change. Therefore, safety education programs for novice riders should incorporate participatory and experience-based communication strategies to foster safer riding practices.