Dynamic Public Perceptions of the Coronavirus Disease Crisis,the Netherlands, 2020 |
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Authors: | Marion de Vries Liesbeth Claassen Margreet JM te Wierik Susan van den Hof Anne EM Brabers Judith D de Jong Danielle RM Timmermans Aura Timen |
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Institution: | National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands (M. de Vries, L. Claassen, M.J.M. te Wierik, S. van den Hof, A. Timen);Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands (A.E.M. Brabers, J.D. de Jong);Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (J.D. de Jong);Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (D.R.M. Timmermans);Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (A. Timen) |
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Abstract: | A key component of outbreak control is monitoring public perceptions and public response. To determine public perceptions and public responses during the first 3 months of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the Netherlands, we conducted 6 repeated surveys of ≈3,000 persons. Generalized estimating equations analyses revealed changes over time as well as differences between groups at low and high risk. Overall, respondents perceived the risks associated with COVID-19 to be considerable, were positive about the mitigation measures, trusted the information and the measures from authorities, and adopted protective measures. Substantial increases were observed in risk perceptions and self-reported protective behavior in the first weeks of the outbreak. Individual differences were based mainly on participants’ age and health condition. We recommend that authorities constantly adjust their COVID-19 communication and mitigation strategies to fit public perceptions and public responses and that they tailor the information for different groups. |
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Keywords: | 2019 novel coronavirus disease coronavirus disease COVID-19 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 viruses respiratory infections zoonoses perception knowledge attitude trust health behavior communication disease outbreaks the Netherlands |
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