ArticleFrontiers in public health2026
The "Information Paradox" in crime prevention: how spatial context and age moderate the impact of safety advisories on residents' perception of safety.
Article in Frontiers in public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Background: Effective crime prevention communication is a cornerstone of urban public health and psychological well-being. However, the psychological impact of safety advisories on residents remains poorly understood. This study investigates the "Information Paradox," the phenomenon where crime prevention tips may inadvertently heighten fear rather than provide reassurance, and explores how spatial delivery channels and demographic factors moderate this relationship. Methods: Drawing on a survey of residents in Nanjing, China, this study employed ordinal logistic regression (OLR) models to analyze the influence of multi-channel information (e.g., Community Noticeboards, unit entrances, elevator lobbies, and digital platforms) on perceived safety. Interaction terms were introduced to examine the moderating role of age cohorts, shifting the focus from technological access to varying risk sensitivities and socio-economic responsibilities across life stages. Results: The results reveal a significant spatial divergence in information perception. Crime prevention tips at unit entrances significantly enhance safety perceptions ( Conclusion: The psychological efficacy of crime prevention information is highly context-dependent and spatially bounded. To foster a secure urban environment, city managers must transition from "one-size-fits-all" public broadcasting toward demographically tailored and spatially synchronized communication architectures. Prioritizing reassurance at territorial thresholds while boosting actionable self-efficacy for middle-aged caregiving cohorts can successfully mitigate unintended environmental anxiety and maximize the public health dividends of smart-community governance.
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