Effectiveness of prescribed burn health risk communication on community and individual smoke-protective decision making using protective action theories

Background: Prescribed burns are a land management tool with several cultural and ecological benefits. However, they can produce enough smoke to result in adverse health effects increasing the importance of prescribed burn health risk communication. This study evaluated a prescribed burn health risk communication toolkit that is in development. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with community and institutional stakeholders. The protection motivation theory and precaution adoption process model were then used to interpret focus group responses to understand what factors of prescribed burn health risk communication influence protective action decision-making. Results: Tailored communications and social context can influence protective action decisions to reduce exposure to prescribed burn smoke. Dissemination of the communication materials from the toolkit may be effective in increasing public health education and communication of prescribed burns and smoke-related health risks, engagement with prescribed burn health risk messages, and smoke-protective decisions. Guidance for involving the community and integrating health risk communication into current practices may increase public engagement with and effectiveness of prescribed burn health risk messaging. Conclusion: This study provides important implications for public health education and communication about prescribed burns and smoke-related health risks. Although prescribed burns could be considered to have relatively low risk, the resulting smoke is still an environmental hazard of which many communities may not be aware. This lack of knowledge underscores the importance of educational and effective public health messaging so that individuals can make informed protective action decisions.