Danielle R M Timmermans
Biographic Data
| ID | 1563633 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Danielle R M Timmermans |
| GIVEN NAMES | Danielle R M |
| FAMILY NAME | Timmermans |
| SIGNATURE | TIMMERMANS D R M |
| AFFILIATIONS | Amsterdam Public Health |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-3602-3875 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 42 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 45 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 42 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1993 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 4 |
Towards integrated advice for pandemic policies: Insights from a qualitative explorative study on Avian influenza simulation exercises in the Netherlands
Assessing the Impact of Visualizations of Quantitative and Qualitative Risk Information on the Comprehension of Hypothetical Risk-Based Breast Cancer Screening Results
This study aimed to assess whether, in the context of communicating risk-based breast cancer screening results, visualizations of risk information consisting of an icon array depicting quantified breast cancer risk and simplified drawings for “qualitative” risk information (e.g. risk factors, screening frequency) offer added value compared to a textual format presenting numerical information. An online experiment was conducted with a 3 (informati…
A risk communication intervention aimed at enhancing help-seeking behavior and reducing stress symptoms in healthcare workers: A pilot study with a process evaluation
The risk communication intervention contributes to the intention to change behavior, HCWs who recognized a discrepancy between their values and behavior and did not accept it were prepared to take action. Intention to change behavior is the first step towards actual behavior change, making the intervention promising. While the intervention is promising and warrants further testing to prevent work-related stress in HCWs, intervention and implement…
When and why do people change their minds in favor of vaccination? Longitudinal analyses of switching Covid-19 vaccination preferences
A majority of initially hesitant people changed their minds about vaccination during the pandemic. Preference switches in favor of vaccination were most strongly associated with beliefs about the vaccine's efficacy in preventing illness. This study underlines the importance of providing up-to-date, balanced information and decisional support for people to weigh the benefits and risks of getting vaccinated versus not getting vaccinated
Contrasting perspectives on the risks of intensive livestock farming in The Netherlands: A survey study
In the Netherlands, intensive livestock farming is a recurrent topic of societal debate with stakeholders having quite different perspectives on the benefits and harms. In particular, stakeholders appear to have different perceptions on the risks to human and animal health. This paper reports a quantitative analysis of a survey on the perceptions of risks and benefits of intensive livestock farming conducted among the general public, including pe…
Testing the effects on information use by older versus younger women of modality and narration style in a hospital report card
BACKGROUND: Hospital report cards (HRCs) are usually presented in a textual and factual format, likely hampering information processing. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of audiovisual and narrative information in HRCs on user responses, and to test differences between older and younger women. DESIGN: A 2 (modality [textual vs. audiovisual]) × 3 (narration style [factual vs. process narrative vs. experience narrative]) onlin…
Particulate matter in the workplace: Effects of a mental models-based folder combined with a practical assignment
We recommend implementing our folder in companies with high PM exposure and focusing further research on appropriate methods of implementation
Dynamics in public perceptions and media coverage during an ongoing outbreak of meningococcal W disease in the Netherlands
The real-time insights into the interrelated dynamics of public perceptions, responses, and media coverage provide an integrated portrait of the social developments during this outbreak. The focus on IMD severity and the absence of doubt in the public discussion about vaccine safety may have played an important role in the societal response to this outbreak and the recommended vaccine
Office workers' perspectives on physical activity and sedentary behaviour: A qualitative study
The great value that office workers attach to health is reflected in their motivations and attitudes regarding physical activity. Increasing office workers' knowledge of the health risks of prolonged sitting may therefore increase their motivation to sit less. Although 'health' is considered important, other values, including social and work-related values, are sometimes prioritized. We conclude that interventions that aim to reduce sedentary beh…
Women’s Participation in Decision-Making in Maternity Care: A Qualitative Exploration of Clients’ Health Literacy Skills and Needs for Support
Shared decision-making requires adequate functional health literacy (HL) skills from clients to understand information, as well as interactive and critical HL skills to obtain, appraise and apply information about available options. This study aimed to explore women's HL skills and needs for support regarding shared decision-making in maternity care. In-depth interviews were held among women in Dutch maternity care who scored low ( n = 10) and hi…
Development and usability of educational material about workplace particulate matter exposure
Based on this study, the folder we developed is suitable for a larger-scale experiment and a practical test. Further research is needed to investigate the efficacy of the folder and the application of the exposimeter in a PM risk communication system
Information needs during an emerging outbreak of meningococcal W135 disease in the Netherlands: A study among teenagers, their parents and healthcare professionals
Our results suggest that healthcare professionals might not have been optimally equipped or prepared for questions from teenagers and their parents at the beginning of the vaccination campaign. We recommend public health institutes to timely assess and meet information needs about new vaccines in healthcare professionals to optimally equip them for consultations
‘It is not entirely healthy.’ A qualitative study into public appraisals of uncertain risks of chemical substances in food
For some chemical substances in food, scientific uncertainty prevents definitive statements about the presence of risk for human health. In this qualitative study, we explored the public’s understanding and risk appraisal of these substances. During semi-structured interviews, participants from the public were presented with inconclusive risk information about either a food additive or one of two food contaminants. Findings show that interviewees…
Decision-making styles in the context of colorectal cancer screening
Our eligible CRC screening population scored high on using both a rational and intuitive decision-making style. To optimise support to people, public education materials could be appealing more to the intuitive processes at hand. That being said, the current education materials aimed at informed/rational decision-making do not necessarily seem to create a problem, as people generally experienced low decisional conflict. Possible concerns regardin…
Stay clear from the smoke’: Effects of alternative public messages in case of large-scale chemical fires
In the Netherlands, until recently, public messages in case of a large chemical fire, routinely contained phrases such as: ‘no hazardous materials have been detected in the smoke’, ‘there is no danger to public health’, and ‘people are recommended to stay indoors and close doors and windows’. Such messages not only fail to adequately inform people about risk, they are also inherently inconsistent. That is, the advice to stay clear from the smoke …
Electromagnetic field exposure in power plants: A qualitative assessment of work safety perceptions among employees
Electromagnetic fields, or EMF, are ubiquitous in our daily life. Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MF) are generated by any device using electric current. Especially in workplace situations involving MRI scanners, welding equipment, induction heaters, and power plants, they are known for potentially high field strengths. These high field strengths may lead to adverse health effects if insufficient preventive measures are in place. Thi…
Public Perceptions of Contentious Risk: The Case of Rubber Granulate in the Netherlands
This paper reports on the perceptions of risk related to practicing sports on fields containing rubber granulate infill, and preferences for mitigation measures, among people with and without offspring exposed to rubber granulate. Two repeated surveys were conducted among members of the general population and parents of children aged under 18, in the middle of a dynamic public discussion about the potential health risks of exposure to rubber gran…
Intensive Livestock Farming and Residential Health: Experts’ Views
The presence of intensive livestock farms in close vicinity to residential areas in the Netherlands is a complex problem characterised by knowledge uncertainty about the effects on residential health, overlapping value-driven concerns and stakeholder diversity. In order to address concerns about the health effects and effectively manage the debate about intensive livestock farming, constructive stakeholder dialogues are encouraged, informed by cu…
Understanding of the concept of ‘uncertain risk’. A qualitative study among different societal groups
In environmental health science, the concept ‘uncertain risk’ refers to situations in which epistemic uncertainties prevent definitive statements about the presence or existence of risk. The concept is difficult for risk communication and may easily lead to miscommunications and misunderstanding. This research investigated how the concept of uncertain risk is understood by different societal groups. We conducted in-depth interviews with the gener…
Health literacy skills for informed decision making in colorectal cancer screening: Perceptions of screening invitees and experts
BACKGROUND: The process of informed decision making (IDM) requires an adequate level of health literacy. To ensure that all individuals have equal opportunity to make an informed decision in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, it is essential to gain more insight into which health literacy skills are needed for IDM. Our aims were (i) to explore how individuals make a decision about CRC screening and (ii) to explore which skills are needed for IDM …
Why are the public so positive about colorectal cancer screening
Trust in the government and perceptions regarding the seriousness of cancer, preventive health screening and the importance of one's health seem to be important factors influencing how the public view CRC screening. The public are likely to process information about CRC screening in such a way that it confirms their existing beliefs of cancer being serious and preventive screening being positive. This makes it likely that they will notice informa…
How lay people understand and make sense of personalized disease risk information
BACKGROUND: Disease risk calculators are increasingly web-based, but previous studies have shown that risk information often poses problems for lay users. OBJECTIVE: To examine how lay people understand the result derived from an online cardiometabolic risk calculator. DESIGN: A qualitative study was performed, using the risk calculator in the Dutch National Prevention Program for cardiometabolic diseases. The study consisted of three parts: (i) …
The Dutch public are positive about the colorectal cancer-screening programme, but is this a well-informed opinion
People were less supportive of the CRC screening programme when having to choose between other options concerning dealing with CRC, and their support may not be based on a full comprehension of what CRC screening entails. Further research is needed to establish what knowledge people need in order to form a well-founded opinion
Improving lay understanding of exposure to electromagnetic fields; the effect of information on perception of and responses to risk
Studies show that, although many people are concerned about the potential health risks of being exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF), lay understanding of exposure, an important determinant of risk perceptions and responses, is limited. In an online consumer panel (n = 245), we tested the effects of providing people with information about EMF on lay understanding of exposure, and on perceptions and responses to risks, using an experimental 2 ×…
Health responses to a new high-voltage power line route: Design of a quasi-experimental prospective field study in the Netherlands
This is the first study to investigate health responses to a new power line route in a prospective manner. The results will provide theoretical insight into psychosocial mechanisms operating during the introduction of an environmental health risk, and may offer suggestions to policymakers and other stakeholders for minimizing adverse health responses when introducing new high-voltage power lines
The impact of ethical beliefs on decisions about prenatal screening tests: Searching for justification
The impact of task complexity on information use in multi‐attribute decision making
This study presents a process analysis of multi‐attribute decision making. The decision problems concerned the selection of the most suitable candidate for a job opening. The problems varied in terms of complexity, i.e. the number of candidates and the number of attributes used to describe these alternatives. Results show that with an increasing number of alternatives, subjects ( N = 48) used fewer attributes for the evaluation of alternatives, a…
Perceived Risk and Representations of Cardiovascular Disease and Preventive Behaviour in People Diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study
Perceived risk and representations of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and preventive behaviour of people diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia by DNA testing ( N = 81) were assessed. In general, participants perceived their own CVD risk as being relatively low. While participants reported almost optimal medication adherence (99%), only 49 per cent reported following recommendations concerning diet and physical activity. Family history of CVD…
Affect-inducing risk communication: Current knowledge and future directions
Affect appears to have a central role in peoples risk perception and decision-making. It is, therefore, important that researchers and communicators know how risk communication can induce affect or more specific emotions. In this paper, several studies that examined affect-inducing cues presented in and around risk communication are discussed. We thereby distinguish between integral affect induction, meaning through the risk message, and incident…
The role of scientific advisory bodies in precaution‐based risk governance illustrated with the issue of uncertain health effects of electromagnetic fields
Recently, the Health Council of the Netherlands (HCN) published a report on the precautionary principle. The key message was that rather than as a decision rule, the principle should be regarded as a strategy for dealing with uncertainty carefully. We applied these views of HCN to the issue of potential health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which is characterised by considerable uncertainty. HCN has published several reports on this is…
Understanding of the concept of ‘uncertain risk’. A qualitative study among different societal groups
In environmental health science, the concept ‘uncertain risk’ refers to situations in which epistemic uncertainties prevent definitive statements about the presence or existence of risk. The concept is difficult for risk communication and may easily lead to miscommunications and misunderstanding. This research investigated how the concept of uncertain risk is understood by different societal groups. We conducted in-depth interviews with the gener…
Improving lay understanding of exposure to electromagnetic fields; the effect of information on perception of and responses to risk
Studies show that, although many people are concerned about the potential health risks of being exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF), lay understanding of exposure, an important determinant of risk perceptions and responses, is limited. In an online consumer panel (n = 245), we tested the effects of providing people with information about EMF on lay understanding of exposure, and on perceptions and responses to risks, using an experimental 2 ×…
Stay clear from the smoke’: Effects of alternative public messages in case of large-scale chemical fires
In the Netherlands, until recently, public messages in case of a large chemical fire, routinely contained phrases such as: ‘no hazardous materials have been detected in the smoke’, ‘there is no danger to public health’, and ‘people are recommended to stay indoors and close doors and windows’. Such messages not only fail to adequately inform people about risk, they are also inherently inconsistent. That is, the advice to stay clear from the smoke …
Focal points for improving communications about electromagnetic fields and health: A mental models approach
Central to the precautionary policy is the provision of information about electromagnetic fields (EMF) technology, exposures, potential health risks and exposure management actions to the public. To meet this need at the broadest level, beyond the specific technology foci of previous research, a research project was commissioned as part of Dutch Electromagnetic Fields and Health Research Programme. This study provides an assessment of Dutch EMF i…
Does inappropriate selectivity in information use relate to diagnostic errors and patient harm? The diagnosis of patients with dyspnea
The impact of task complexity on information use in multi‐attribute decision making
This study presents a process analysis of multi‐attribute decision making. The decision problems concerned the selection of the most suitable candidate for a job opening. The problems varied in terms of complexity, i.e. the number of candidates and the number of attributes used to describe these alternatives. Results show that with an increasing number of alternatives, subjects ( N = 48) used fewer attributes for the evaluation of alternatives, a…
Analysis of the Variety in Surgeons' Decision Strategies for the Management of Left Colonic Emergencies
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyze surgeons' decision strategies about the optimal treatment for acute sigmoid resection for different patients. In particular, the authors wished to determine the predominant accepted treatment choice among surgeons, to determine the importance of patient characteristics for surgeons' evaluations of the appropriateness of treatments, and to identify the variety in decision strategies. METHODS: A surve…
Prioritising patients on surgical waiting lists: A conjoint analysis study on the priority judgements of patients, surgeons, occupational physicians, and general practitioners
Parents' perceived vulnerability and perceived control in preventing Meningococcal C infection: A large-scale interview study about vaccination
Perceived relative vulnerability contracting an infection and parents' perceived control in preventing an infection seem to influence parents' evaluation of the vaccination programme. Future studies should determine if, and under which circumstances, these perceptions also affect parents' vaccination behaviour and would be relevant to be taken into account when educating parents about vaccination
The impact of ethical beliefs on decisions about prenatal screening tests: Searching for justification
The @Risk Study: Risk communication for patients with type 2 diabetes: design of a randomised controlled trial
The trial is registered as NTR1556 in the Dutch Trial Register
Using family history information to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases; a discussion of the evidence
In addition to risk assessment, family history information can be used to personalize health messages, which are potentially more effective in promoting healthy lifestyles than standardized health messages. More research is needed on the evidence for the effectiveness of such a tool
Perceived Risk and Representations of Cardiovascular Disease and Preventive Behaviour in People Diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study
Perceived risk and representations of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and preventive behaviour of people diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia by DNA testing ( N = 81) were assessed. In general, participants perceived their own CVD risk as being relatively low. While participants reported almost optimal medication adherence (99%), only 49 per cent reported following recommendations concerning diet and physical activity. Family history of CVD…
Lay perceptions of predictive testing for diabetes based on DNA test results versus family history assessment: A focus group study
The results suggest that most participants believe a predictive genetic test could be used in the prevention of multifactorial disorders, such as diabetes, but indicate points to consider before both these tests are applied. These considerations differ with regard to the method of assessment (DNA test or obtaining family history) and also differ from monogenic disorders
Monitoring the level of government trust, risk perception and intention of the general public to adopt protective measures during the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in the Netherlands
The Dutch response to the H1N1 virus was relatively muted. Higher levels of trust in the government, fear/worry, and perceived vulnerability were all positively related to an intention to accept vaccination. Only fear/worry was positively linked to an intention to adopt protective measures during the entire pandemic. Risk and crisis communication by the government should focus on building and maintaining trust by providing information about preve…
The role of scientific advisory bodies in precaution‐based risk governance illustrated with the issue of uncertain health effects of electromagnetic fields
Recently, the Health Council of the Netherlands (HCN) published a report on the precautionary principle. The key message was that rather than as a decision rule, the principle should be regarded as a strategy for dealing with uncertainty carefully. We applied these views of HCN to the issue of potential health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which is characterised by considerable uncertainty. HCN has published several reports on this is…
Affect-inducing risk communication: Current knowledge and future directions
Affect appears to have a central role in peoples risk perception and decision-making. It is, therefore, important that researchers and communicators know how risk communication can induce affect or more specific emotions. In this paper, several studies that examined affect-inducing cues presented in and around risk communication are discussed. We thereby distinguish between integral affect induction, meaning through the risk message, and incident…
Media coverage on electromagnetic fields and health: Content analysis of Dutch newspaper articles and websites
The way health risks of electromagnetic fields are portrayed in the media may shape public concerns that the growing exposure to electromagnetic fields in daily life constitutes a health hazard. We analysed the content of information on electromagnetic fields and health in Dutch media to identify aspects that might be linked to the public perception of electromagnetic fields. A systematic search was performed on archives of five major Dutch newsp…
Using web-based familial risk information for diabetes prevention: A randomized controlled trial
NTR1938
People’s responses to risks of electromagnetic fields and trust in government policy: The role of perceived risk, benefits and control
Trust in government policy affects the way people perceive and handle risks. In our study, we investigated the relationships between trust in government policy regarding electromagnetic fields (EMF), perceived risk and perceived benefits of public and personal EMF sources, perceived control over exposure to EMF and responses to the possible EMF health risk (e.g. protest against placement of mobile phone base stations or power lines, or taking own…
Does inappropriate selectivity in information use relate to diagnostic errors and patient harm? The diagnosis of patients with dyspnea
Health responses to a new high-voltage power line route: Design of a quasi-experimental prospective field study in the Netherlands
This is the first study to investigate health responses to a new power line route in a prospective manner. The results will provide theoretical insight into psychosocial mechanisms operating during the introduction of an environmental health risk, and may offer suggestions to policymakers and other stakeholders for minimizing adverse health responses when introducing new high-voltage power lines
Focal points for improving communications about electromagnetic fields and health: A mental models approach
Central to the precautionary policy is the provision of information about electromagnetic fields (EMF) technology, exposures, potential health risks and exposure management actions to the public. To meet this need at the broadest level, beyond the specific technology foci of previous research, a research project was commissioned as part of Dutch Electromagnetic Fields and Health Research Programme. This study provides an assessment of Dutch EMF i…
Improving lay understanding of exposure to electromagnetic fields; the effect of information on perception of and responses to risk
Studies show that, although many people are concerned about the potential health risks of being exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF), lay understanding of exposure, an important determinant of risk perceptions and responses, is limited. In an online consumer panel (n = 245), we tested the effects of providing people with information about EMF on lay understanding of exposure, and on perceptions and responses to risks, using an experimental 2 ×…
The Dutch public are positive about the colorectal cancer-screening programme, but is this a well-informed opinion
People were less supportive of the CRC screening programme when having to choose between other options concerning dealing with CRC, and their support may not be based on a full comprehension of what CRC screening entails. Further research is needed to establish what knowledge people need in order to form a well-founded opinion
How lay people understand and make sense of personalized disease risk information
BACKGROUND: Disease risk calculators are increasingly web-based, but previous studies have shown that risk information often poses problems for lay users. OBJECTIVE: To examine how lay people understand the result derived from an online cardiometabolic risk calculator. DESIGN: A qualitative study was performed, using the risk calculator in the Dutch National Prevention Program for cardiometabolic diseases. The study consisted of three parts: (i) …
Health literacy skills for informed decision making in colorectal cancer screening: Perceptions of screening invitees and experts
BACKGROUND: The process of informed decision making (IDM) requires an adequate level of health literacy. To ensure that all individuals have equal opportunity to make an informed decision in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, it is essential to gain more insight into which health literacy skills are needed for IDM. Our aims were (i) to explore how individuals make a decision about CRC screening and (ii) to explore which skills are needed for IDM …
Why are the public so positive about colorectal cancer screening
Trust in the government and perceptions regarding the seriousness of cancer, preventive health screening and the importance of one's health seem to be important factors influencing how the public view CRC screening. The public are likely to process information about CRC screening in such a way that it confirms their existing beliefs of cancer being serious and preventive screening being positive. This makes it likely that they will notice informa…
Public Perceptions of Contentious Risk: The Case of Rubber Granulate in the Netherlands
This paper reports on the perceptions of risk related to practicing sports on fields containing rubber granulate infill, and preferences for mitigation measures, among people with and without offspring exposed to rubber granulate. Two repeated surveys were conducted among members of the general population and parents of children aged under 18, in the middle of a dynamic public discussion about the potential health risks of exposure to rubber gran…
Intensive Livestock Farming and Residential Health: Experts’ Views
The presence of intensive livestock farms in close vicinity to residential areas in the Netherlands is a complex problem characterised by knowledge uncertainty about the effects on residential health, overlapping value-driven concerns and stakeholder diversity. In order to address concerns about the health effects and effectively manage the debate about intensive livestock farming, constructive stakeholder dialogues are encouraged, informed by cu…
Medicine (31 works) · Psychology (26 works) · Nursing (17 works) · Public health (17 works) · Biostatistics (15 works) · Environmental health (14 works) · Perception (14 works) · Risk perception (13 works) · Risk Perception and Management (13 works) · Social Psychology (13 works)