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Understanding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) risk perceptions among the public to enhance risk communication efforts: a practical approach for outbreaks

Institution

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare

Country

Finland

Type of Study

Qualitative research

Methodology

Practical on going data collection that provides insights into the risk perception of the public on weekly bais

Key Focus of Study

In February 2020, The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) initiated a practical exercise to analyse risk perceptions and trust towards public authorities in the context of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The process allows qualitative data collection and analysis in real time, based on social media posts and emails from the public. Its objective is to inform risk communication efforts on weekly basis. . This process was developed in collaboration with a medical anthropologist and experts in risk communication and public health. The information can be used to help identify appropriate responses and communication strategies to COVID-19 related topics of public interest.

Sample size

On going weekly data collection

Timeframe

February 2020 - ongoing until the end of 2020 (or until COVID19 epidemic is active in Finland)

Funding Institution(s)

The Finnish Institute of Health

Status

Data from the first three weeks of data collection is published : Anna-Leena Lohiniva, Jussi Sane, Katja Sibenberg, Taneli Puumalainen, Mika Salminen (2020). Understanding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) risk perceptions among the public to enhance risk communication efforts: a practical approach for outbreaks, Finland, February 2020. Eurosurveillance, Volume 25, Issue 13, 02/Apr/2020 .

More information

Please find more information here

More information contact

anna-leena.lohiniva@thl.fi