RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Knowledge, Perceptions, and Preferred Information Sources Related to COVID-19 Among Central Pennsylvania Adults Early in the Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional Survey
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 293
OP 301
DO 10.1370/afm.2674
VO 19
IS 4
A1 Van Scoy, Lauren Jodi
A1 Miller, Erin L.
A1 Snyder, Bethany
A1 Wasserman, Emily
A1 Chinchilli, Vernon M.
A1 Zgierska, Aleksandra E.
A1 Rabago, David
A1 Lennon, Courtney L.
A1 Lipnick, Daniella
A1 Toyobo, Olubukola
A1 Ruffin, Mack T.
A1 Lennon, Robert P.
YR 2021
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/19/4/293.abstract
AB PURPOSE To explore public knowledge, understanding of public health recommendations, perceptions, and trust in information sources related to COVID-19.METHODS A cross-sectional survey of central Pennsylvanian adults evaluated self-reported knowledge, and a convergent, mixed methods design was used to assess beliefs about recommendations, intended behaviors, perceptions, and concerns related to infectious disease risk, and trust of information sources.RESULTS The survey was completed by 5,948 adults. The estimated probability of correct response for the basic knowledge score, weighted with confidence, was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.79-0.80). Knowledge was significantly higher in patients with higher education and nonminority race. While the majority of respondents reported that they believed following CDC recommendations would decrease the spread of COVID-19 in their community and intended to adhere to them, only 65.2% rated social isolation with the highest level of belief and adherence. The most trusted information source was federal public health websites (42.8%). Qualitative responses aligned with quantitative data and described concerns about illness, epidemiologic issues, economic and societal disruptions, and distrust of the executive branch’s messaging. The survey was limited by a lack of minority representation, potential selection bias, and evolving COVID-19 information that may impact generalizability and interpretability.CONCLUSIONS Knowledge about COVID-19 and intended adherence to behavioral recommendations were high. There was substantial distrust of the executive branch of the federal government, however, and concern about mixed messaging and information overload. These findings highlight the importance of consistent messaging from trusted sources that reaches diverse groups.