No one left behind: risk communication to the street vendors during COVID-19 social distancing

Abstract

PurposeCOVID-19 presents a serious and unprecedented challenge around the globe. Street vendors are the most vulnerable group during this pandemic regarding livelihood loss and contagion risk. This research aims to examine the roles of risk communication work in enhancing COVID-19 risk perceptions and adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors among street vendors.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from the street vendors in urban Vietnam. A binary probit model was used for analyzing the relationships among exposure to risk communication, risk perception and adoption of preventive behaviors.FindingsThe analysis reveals the outreach of risk communication work to the street vendors. A rather large proportion of the respondents perceive high risks associated with COVID-19. All respondents adopt COVID-19 preventive behaviors; however, the proportion of regular adoption is moderate and even very low for most behaviors. Their frequent exposure to risk communication significantly raises their risk perceptions and encourages their regular adoption of preventive behaviors, particularly regarding the measures that are affordable and less detrimental to their livelihood.Originality/valueThis research is among the first attempts to examine exposure to risk communication to the vulnerable group, how they perceive risks and the extent to which they adopt preventive behaviors during a public health crisis. This research draws some implications for risk communication and social welfare policies to obtain sustainable development goals.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the livelihood of a vulnerable population: Evidence from women street vendors in urban Vietnam

“…During social distancing, some cities have allowed street vendors—especially those selling fresh fruits and vegetables—to operate; however, most developing cities did not allow street vendors to work ( Chen, 2020 ; Guha et al, 2021 ; Lemessa et al, 2021 ; Sisay et al, 2021 ; Toriro & Chirisa, 2021 ). In urban Vietnam, the vendors were also required to suspend their businesses during social distancing ( Thanh et al, 2021 ; Turner et al, 2021 ). Already a vulnerable group, the pandemic pushed their economic live into further distress.…”

“…In developing cities worldwide, a large proportion of informal workers are street vendors, with the majority being women ( Jensen & Peppard, 2003 ; Lemessa et al, 2021 ; Muyanja et al, 2011 ; Thanh et al, 2021 ; Williams & Gurtoo, 2012 ). Street vendors sell various products, such as food, drinks, and other small items ( Chen, 2005 ; Jensen & Peppard, 2003 ; Lemessa et al, 2021 ; Romero-Michel et al, 2021 ; Sekhani et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Street vendors sell various products, such as food, drinks, and other small items ( Chen, 2005 ; Jensen & Peppard, 2003 ; Lemessa et al, 2021 ; Romero-Michel et al, 2021 ; Sekhani et al, 2019 ). Since women street vendors are often characterized as underskilled immigrants with a low level of education, they represent the most disadvantaged and marginalized group ( Boonjubun, 2017 ; Horn, 2010 ; Lemessa et al, 2021 ; Martínez et al, 2017 ; Muyanja et al, 2011 ; Thanh et al, 2021 ). Most vendors live in crowded semi-permanent or unsettled houses that lack minimum sanitary conditions ( McKay et al, 2016 ; Ullah et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Most vendors live in crowded semi-permanent or unsettled houses that lack minimum sanitary conditions ( McKay et al, 2016 ; Ullah et al, 2021 ). Also, they are highly vulnerable to socioeconomic crises ( Balbuena & Skinner, 2020 ; Thanh et al, 2021 ). Additionally, since women vendors face educational and financial constraints ( Pearce et al, 1988 ; Sisay et al, 2021 ), they tend to experience more adverse consequences and have fewer coping mechanisms during crises than male vendors ( Cohen, 2010 ; Horn, 2010 ).…”

Guest editorial: COVID-19 Pandemic and Health Informatics Part 2

“…They suggested public health policymakers could see public reaction via Twitter messages. The last paper on this topic, written by Thanh et al (2022), focused on risk communication in enhancing COVID-19 risk perceptions and adopting related preventive behaviour taken by street vendors in Vietnam. They showed that street vendors in Vietnam perceived high risks associated with COVID-19 and adopted preventive behaviour.…”