COVID-19 Health Messaging Efficacy and Its Impact on Public Perception, Anxiety, and Behavior

Knowledge and Confidence in Knowledge of COVID-19

Binary knowledge measures (true/false questions pertaining to COVID-19) each have a corresponding 5-point confidence score, the inverse of which generates a weighting variable. Weighted knowledge scores will be analyzed via a generalized linear mixed-methods effects model with a logistic link function and a random effect for the participant, generating a probability of correct response from 0 to 1.0.

Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months.

Beliefs about the effectiveness of public health recommendations

Participants are asked, "Do you think that following these CDC recommendations will decrease the spread of COVID-19 in your community?" and select from a 5-point scale, Minimum: 1=certainly not; Maximum: 5 = most certainly.

Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months.

Intent to comply with public health recommendations

Participants are asked, "Will you follow these recommendations?" and select from a 5-point scale, Minimum: 1=certainly not; Maximum: 5 = most certainly.

Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months.

Perception of Risk of COVID-19 and other health threats

Participants are asked, "How likely is it that you will be diagnosed with any of the following diseases over the next year?" and rate their perceived likelihood of diagnosis for Measles, Flu, Lung Cancer, Ebola and COVID-19 on a 5 point scale. Minimum: 1, very unlikely; Maximum: 5, very likely. Participants are asked, "How serious do you think infection with any of the following diseases would be (or is) to your own personal health?" and rate their perceived seriousness of diagnosis for Measles, Flu, Lung Cancer, Ebola and COVID-19 on a 5 point scale. Minimum: 1, Not at all Serious; Maximum: 5, Very Serious

Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months.

Perceptions of trust in common health information sources

Participants are asked the extent to which they trust common information sources: The World Health Organization, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Commission, the participant's national government, the participant's local government, and the participant's personal healthcare provider. Participants rate on a 5 point scale. Minimum: 1, Not at all; Maximum: 2, Completely. (As these sources are not recognized in all places, participants may select "Not Applicable" in lieu of ranking.

Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months.

Single most trusted news source

Participants are asked to identify their single most trusted source of news through selection from a pre-generated list or via free-text.

Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months.