The Role of Public Trust and Media in the Psychological and Behavioral Responses to the Pandemics of COVID-19

Abstract

Background: We investigated the level of psychological problems, perceived risk and safety behaviors and the potential roles of demographic variables, public trust, media and prior anxiety to illness during the covid-19 pandemic amongst Iranian citizens. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, using a convenient and snowball sampling method, we distributed an online questionnaire to participants and collected data about their demographic variables, mental health status, the consumption of and level of trust to various media, the level of public trust and perceived risk and safety behaviors regards covid-19. Outcomes: The mental health problems have increased in comparison to past national survey; 24.1% vs 10.39% for depression, 37.93% vs 16.7% for social dysfunction, 41.33% vs 29.5% for anxiety, and 31.12% vs 29.08% for somatization. We also found high percent of acute stress 52.71% (95% CI: 50.45-54.96). Being female, married and having a higher educational level increases the odds of safety behaviors. Public trust and national media can regulate the negative effect of pandemic; while increasing perceived risk and appropriate safety behaviors, decrease psychological problems and disorders. However, social media increases perceived risk, safety behaviors and psychological problems, especially severe acute stress. Interpretation: We are in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic and its negative effects will increase. Many people have lost their relatives, their jobs, their social contacts and are faced with a surge of negative news. Authorities should consider these critical issues and adopt appropriate communicative and supportive approaches to prevent their negative effects at both individual and societal levels. Funding Statement: None. Declaration of Interests: No conflict of interest Ethics Approval Statement: Ethics approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.