The Fauci Effect: Public Health Messaging During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mapping Intimacies ◽

10.31234/osf.io/naxf3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmad Abu-Akel ◽

Andreas Spitz ◽

Robert West

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Messages ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Public Figures ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Health Messaging

It is urgent to understand how to most effectively communicate public health messages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, the focus has been on how to formulate the message, rather than on who should send it, and particularly little is known about the latter during times of crisis. We report on the effectiveness of different public figures at promoting social distancing in 6 countries severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Across countries and demographic strata, immunology expert Dr. Anthony Fauci achieved the highest level of respondents’ willingness to reshare a call to social distancing, followed by a government spokesperson. Celebrity spokespersons were least effective. The likelihood of message resharing increased with age and when respondents expressed positive sentiments towards the spokesperson. Effective messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic can save lives, and the messenger matters.

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What influences people’s responses to public health messages for managing risks and preventing infectious diseases? A rapid systematic review of the evidence and recommendations

10.31234/osf.io/nz7tr ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Daniela Ghio ◽

Sadie Lawes-Wickwar ◽

Mei Yee Tang ◽

Tracy Epton ◽

Neil Howlett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Infectious Diseases ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Population Level ◽

Personal Control ◽

Health Messages ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Managing Risk ◽

Health Messaging

Background Population level behaviour change, requiring individual behaviour change such as hand hygiene and physical distancing, are central to reducing transmission of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, but little is known about how best to communicate this type of risk reducing information, and how populations might respond. We conducted a rapid systematic review to identify and synthesise evidence relating to: a) What characterises effective public-health messages for managing risk and preventing infectious disease, and b) What influences people’s responses to public-health messages.Methods Rapid systematic review methodology was used. We included all study designs and grey literature. Non-English language papers were excluded. Ovid Medline, Ovid PsycINFO and Healthevidence.org were searched alongside PsyarXiv and OSF Preprints up to May 2020. A narrative synthesis was conducted.Findings We identified 70 eligible papers: 3 systematic reviews, 54 individual papers and 14 pre-prints. To influence behaviour effectively at the population level, public-health messages need to be acceptable, credible and trustworthy, to increase the public’s understanding and perceptions of the threat. Interpretation Key recommendations are to: engage communities in the development of public-health messaging, use credible and legitimate sources, address uncertainty immediately and with transparency, focus on unifying messages from all sources, and develop messages aimed at increasing understanding, induce social responsibility and empower personal control. Embedding these principles of behavioural science into public-health messaging is an important step towards more effective health-risk communication for managing risk, promoting protective behaviours and preventing disease during epidemics/pandemics.

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The effect of spokesperson attribution on public health message sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0245100 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. e0245100

Author(s):

Ahmad Abu-Akel ◽

Andreas Spitz ◽

Robert West

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Crucial Importance ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Public Figures ◽

Scientific Experts ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Public Health Message ◽

Message Propagation ◽

The Impact

It is urgent to understand how to effectively communicate public health messages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous work has focused on how to formulate messages in terms of style and content, rather than on who should send them. In particular, little is known about the impact of spokesperson selection on message propagation during times of crisis. We report on the effectiveness of different public figures at promoting social distancing among 12,194 respondents from six countries that were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at the time of data collection. Across countries and demographic strata, immunology expert Dr. Anthony Fauci achieved the highest level of respondents’ willingness to reshare a call to social distancing, followed by a government spokesperson. Celebrity spokespersons were least effective. The likelihood of message resharing increased with age and when respondents expressed positive sentiments towards the spokesperson. These results contribute to the development of evidence-based knowledge regarding the effectiveness of prominent official and non-official public figures in communicating public health messaging in times of crisis. Our findings serve as a reminder that scientific experts and governments should not underestimate their power to inform and persuade in times of crisis and underscore the crucial importance of selecting the most effective messenger in propagating messages of lifesaving information during a pandemic.

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What influences people’s responses to public health messages for managing risks and preventing infectious diseases? A rapid systematic review of the evidence and recommendations

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048750 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. e048750

Author(s):

Daniela Ghio ◽

Sadie Lawes-Wickwar ◽

Mei Yee Tang ◽

Tracy Epton ◽

Neil Howlett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Infectious Diseases ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Personal Control ◽

Health Messages ◽

Disease Spread ◽

Route Of Transmission ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Health Messaging

BackgroundIndividual behaviour changes, such as hand hygiene and physical distancing, are required on a population scale to reduce transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. However, little is known about effective methods of communicating risk reducing information, and how populations might respond.ObjectiveTo synthesise evidence relating to what (1) characterises effective public health messages for managing risk and preventing infectious disease and (2) influences people’s responses to messages.DesignA rapid systematic review was conducted. Protocol is published on Prospero CRD42020188704.Data sourcesElectronic databases were searched: Ovid Medline, Ovid PsycINFO and Healthevidence.org, and grey literature (PsyarXiv, OSF Preprints) up to May 2020.Study selectionAll study designs that (1) evaluated public health messaging interventions targeted at adults and (2) concerned a communicable disease spread via primary route of transmission of respiratory and/or touch were included. Outcomes included preventative behaviours, perceptions/awareness and intentions. Non-English language papers were excluded.SynthesisDue to high heterogeneity studies were synthesised narratively focusing on determinants of intentions in the absence of measured adherence/preventative behaviours. Themes were developed independently by two researchers and discussed within team to reach consensus. Recommendations were translated from narrative synthesis to provide evidence-based methods in providing effective messaging.ResultsSixty-eight eligible papers were identified. Characteristics of effective messaging include delivery by credible sources, community engagement, increasing awareness/knowledge, mapping to stage of epidemic/pandemic. To influence intent effectively, public health messages need to be acceptable, increase understanding/perceptions of health threat and perceived susceptibility.DiscussionThere are four key recommendations: (1) engage communities in development of messaging, (2) address uncertainty immediately and with transparency, (3) focus on unifying messages from sources and (4) frame messages aimed at increasing understanding, social responsibility and personal control. Embedding principles of behavioural science into public health messaging is an important step towards more effective health-risk communication during epidemics/pandemics.

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Non-stigmatising alternatives to anti-obesity public health messages: Consequences for health behaviour and well-being

Journal of Health Psychology ◽

10.1177/1359105321999705 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 135910532199970

Author(s):

Joanne A Rathbone ◽

Tegan Cruwys ◽

Jolanda Jetten

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Messages ◽

Total N ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Size Acceptance

This project investigated how alternative non-stigmatising public health messages influence people’s health behaviours and well-being, relative to traditional stigmatising weight-loss messages. We conducted three experimental studies (total N = 1281) that compared traditional weight-loss messages to weight-neutral messages (Study 1), weight-inclusive messages (Study 2) and size acceptance messages (Study 3). Results revealed that public health messages have differential effects on health behaviours and well-being, depending on the audience’s BMI or perceived weight. However, campaigns that challenge weight stigma and promote body positivity have positive effects on some psychological indicators of health and well-being for people of all body sizes.

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Disseminating public health messages about second-hand smoking through mosque congregations in Bangladesh

The Lancet Global Health ◽

10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00139-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. e567-e568

Author(s):

Sayem Ahmed ◽

Jahangir A M Khan

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Messages ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Second Hand Smoking

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An exploration of migrant women’s perceptions of public health messages to reduce stillbirth in the UK: a qualitative study

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03879-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tomasina Stacey ◽

Melanie Haith-Cooper ◽

Nisa Almas ◽

Charlotte Kenyon

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Perinatal Mortality ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Health Messages ◽

Migrant Women ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Wide Range ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

The Uk

Abstract Background Stillbirth is a global public health priority. Within the United Kingdom, perinatal mortality disproportionately impacts Black, Asian and minority ethnic women, and in particular migrant women. Although the explanation for this remains unclear, it is thought to be multidimensional. Improving perinatal mortality is reliant upon raising awareness of stillbirth and its associated risk factors, as well as improving maternity services. The aim of this study was to explore migrant women’s awareness of health messages to reduce stillbirth risk, and how key public health messages can be made more accessible. Method Two semi-structured focus groups and 13 one to one interviews were completed with a purposive sample of 30 migrant women from 18 countries and across 4 NHS Trusts. Results Participants provided an account of their general awareness of stillbirth and recollection of the advice they had been given to reduce the risk of stillbirth both before and during pregnancy. They also suggested approaches to how key messages might be more effectively communicated to migrant women. Conclusions Our study highlights the complexity of discussing stillbirth during pregnancy. The women in this study were found to receive a wide range of advice from family and friends as well as health professionals about how to keep their baby safe in pregnancy, they recommended the development of a range of resources to provide clear and consistent messages. Health professionals, in particular midwives who have developed a trusting relationship with the women will be key to ensuring that public health messages relating to stillbirth reduction are accessible to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

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Public health messages about COVID-19 prevention in multilingual Taiwan

Multilingua ◽

10.1515/multi-2020-0092 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 39 (5) ◽

pp. 597-606

Author(s):

Chun-Mei Chen

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Minority Groups ◽

Health Messages ◽

Indigenous Populations ◽

Top Down ◽

Bottom Up ◽

Social Challenges ◽

Substantive Content ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Public Health Information

AbstractIn this paper, I explore multilingual preventative public health messages against the spread of COVID-19 in Taiwan between January and April 2020. Based on empirical data, the symbolic and substantive content of multilingual top-down and bottom-up public health strategies was analyzed and discussed. Findings suggest that the voices of indigenous people have largely been excluded from top-down efforts and strategies in public health communications. Top-down communication did not address the actual concerns of indigenous populations who relied on tourism to bolster their economy. Bottom-up efforts emerged from social exclusion and the inaccessibility of public health information to indigenous populations; such efforts were over-communicated, and the problems of indigenous populations remained unaddressed. I conclude by relating multilingualism and the needs of minority groups, and suggest an inclusive approach to social challenges and solutions for future pandemic preparedness.

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Public health messages on arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti in Brazil

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11339-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

India L. Clancy ◽

Robert T. Jones ◽

Grace M. Power ◽

James G. Logan ◽

Jorge Alberto Bernstein Iriart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Belief Model ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Health Belief ◽

Health Messages ◽

Breeding Sites ◽

Potential Effectiveness ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Belief Model ◽

The Health Belief Model

Abstract Background The outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil in 2015 followed the arrival of chikungunya in 2014 and a long history of dengue circulation. Vital to the response to these outbreaks of mosquito-borne pathogens has been the dissemination of public health messages, including those promoted through risk communication posters. This study explores the content of a sample of posters circulated in Brazil towards the end of the Zika epidemic in 2017 and analyses their potential effectiveness in inducing behaviour change. Methods A content analysis was performed on 37 posters produced in Brazil to address outbreaks of mosquito-borne pathogens. The six variables of the Health Belief Model were used to assess the potential effectiveness of the posters to induce behaviour change. Results Three overarching key messages emerged from the posters. These included (i) the arboviruses and their outcomes, (ii) a battle against the mosquito, and (iii) a responsibility to protect and prevent. Among the six variables utilised through the Health Belief Model, cues to action were most commonly featured, whilst the perceived benefits of engaging in behaviours to prevent arbovirus transmission were the least commonly featured. Conclusions The posters largely focused on mosquito-borne transmission and the need to eliminate breeding sites, and neglected the risk of the sexual and congenital transmission of Zika and the importance of alternative preventive actions. This, we argue, may have limited the potential effectiveness of these posters to induce behaviour change.

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Exploring the use of workplaces to recruit “hard-to-reach” male drinkers to a survey on alcohol use and awareness of health messages

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10697-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Dance ◽

Charlotte Dack ◽

Celia Lasheras ◽

Cathy McMahon ◽

Paul Scott ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Financial Incentive ◽

Health Messages ◽

Heavy Episodic Drinking ◽

Future Research ◽

Recruitment Strategies ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

Alcohol Related Harm ◽

Related Harm

Abstract Background Lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups, particularly lower SES males, are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than higher SES groups, despite drinking at the same level or less. However, they are rarely recruited for research through typical recruitment strategies. Consequently, limited evidence exists on patterns of alcohol use and effectiveness of public health messages for these groups. Using workplaces to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds may provide a feasible and accessible approach to research participation and enable improved understanding of alcohol use, drinking motives and acceptance of alcohol-related public health messages in this underrepresented and high-risk group. We investigated workplace-based strategies to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds. We also investigated their experiences and motivations for alcohol use, and acceptance of alcohol-related public health messages. Methods A feasibility element investigated the effectiveness of workplace-based strategies to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds in the south west of England. A pilot element investigated this population’s experiences and motivations for alcohol use, and acceptance of alcohol-related public health messages, through a mixed-methods survey. Results Feasibility results indicated that workplace-based recruitment strategies, including recruiting participants in person at their workplace and providing a financial incentive, effectively led to the recruitment of 84 male drinkers (70% recruitment rate), predominately from lower SES backgrounds, to a survey. Pilot results indicated that more than half of participants were at increasing risk of alcohol-related harm, and approximately one fifth engaged in weekly heavy episodic drinking. Participation in campaigns aimed at reducing alcohol use, and knowledge of government alcohol consumption guidelines, were low. Participants reported negative beliefs about alcohol including health effects, dependency and excess use, and financial and occupational effects. Positive beliefs about alcohol included relaxation, socialising, and enjoyment. Conclusions Workplace-based recruitment, using in-person recruitment and a financial incentive, may be a feasible strategy to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds. Pilot results may direct larger scale research aiming to understand alcohol use in this population and inform targeted public health messages. Workplace-based recruitment may represent a promising avenue for future research aiming to tackle inequalities in participation in alcohol research.

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