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Perceptions of adult Arkansans regarding trusted sources of information about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purvis, Rachel S; Willis, Don E; Moore, Ramey; Bogulski, Cari; McElfish, Pearl A.
  • Purvis RS; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA.
  • Willis DE; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA.
  • Moore R; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA.
  • Bogulski C; Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA.
  • McElfish PA; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA. pamcelfish@uams.edu.
BMC Public Health ; 21(1): 2306, 2021 12 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1636676
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The United States leads the world in confirmed COVID-19 cases; Arkansas ranks fifth in average daily cases per 100,000. Historically, Americans relied on health communications from governmental sources and the news media. However, there has been a documented decline of trust in these sources. The present study seeks to understand trusted sources of information about COVID-19 to improve health messaging because research shows the level of trust is associated with adherence to recommendations.

METHODS:

Data were collected using an online survey from participants (N = 1221) who were 18 years of age or older and residing, employed, or accessing health care in Arkansas. A qualitative descriptive design was used to summarize participants' experiences and perceptions related to trusted sources of COVID-19 information.

RESULTS:

Two primary themes related to participants' perceptions of sources of information about COVID-19 are reported 1) trusted sources of information and 2) distrust or lack of trust in sources of information. Several subthemes emerged within each primary theme. Results showed high trust in the academic medical center, federal and state public health agencies, and local health care providers. The study also documents diverging voices of distrust and uncertainty in making sense of contradictory information. Participants reported the main reason for their lack of trust was the rapidly changing information and the lack of consistency in information provided across sources.

CONCLUSIONS:

This finding provides insight into the importance of coordination between national, state, and local communications to bolster trust. Personal recommendations and testimonies from trusted health care providers and professionals could inform public health messaging interventions to increase vaccine uptake.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Health Communication / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Qualitative research Topics: Vaccines Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Humans Country/Region as subject: North America Language: English Journal: BMC Public Health Journal subject: Public Health Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12889-021-12385-1

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Health Communication / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Qualitative research Topics: Vaccines Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Humans Country/Region as subject: North America Language: English Journal: BMC Public Health Journal subject: Public Health Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12889-021-12385-1