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- Page navigation anchor for RE: Knowledge, Perceptions, and Preferred Information Sources Related to COVID-19 Among Central Pennsylvania Adults Early in the Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional SurveyRE: Knowledge, Perceptions, and Preferred Information Sources Related to COVID-19 Among Central Pennsylvania Adults Early in the Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional Survey
In “Knowledge, Perceptions, and Preferred Information Sources Related to COVID-19 Among Central Pennsylvania Adults Early in the Pandemic: Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional Survey” by Van Scoy et al, the authors claim that their study suggests “adherence to behavioral recommendations are generally high” and identifies government-sponsored websites as the most trusted information source. The study’s sample population, however, does not represent the demographic diversity of both Pennsylvania and the United States. Due to this selection bias, the authors’ findings cannot be generalized to a population outside of the participants surveyed and provides little value regarding COVID-19 education and vaccination efforts.
This study surveys a participant population that identifies as 67.35% female, 92% white race, and 70.31% with an Associate’s degree or higher. [1] Recent data compiled in the Understanding Coronavirus in America Study at University of Southern California Dornsife found a higher likelihood of getting a COVID-19 vaccine in those persons with a college degree (measured as Bachelor’s degree or higher) in all identified races/ethnicities. [2] The participants surveyed by Van Scoy et al predominantly fit into these demographics of persons who are already more likely to get vaccinated. [2, 3] These demographics are not representative of the greater population of Pennsylvania or the United States. US Census data identifies a lower proportion of white, non-hispanic ra...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.