COVID-19 Risk Perceptions and Social Multipliers in Lithuania

Abstract

Analysing COVID-19 threat researchers drew attention to the different demographic and socio-economic characteristics of populations that hold different risk perceptions and have different experiences with the risks of the infection. This article analyses the subjective perception of COVID-19 risks, as perceived by the Lithuanian population, and the objective factors determining the spread and morbidity of Covid-19. The article focuses on the factors associated with social vulnerability. The results of the survey data show that men, working age people and entrepreneurs are the least concerned about the threat of COVID-19. At the same time, statistics show that economically active people and those living in more crowded households are the most vulnerable to the spread of infection. The results of this study point to the greatest discrepancies between objectively assessed and subjectively perceived vulnerabilities, thus helping decision-makers to optimise their efforts and manage the risk of COVID-19 more effectively, prioritising those areas where vulnerabilities are the highest.