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Factors Associated with Community Awareness on COVID-19 in a Developing Country: Implications for Optimal Risk Communication
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Thao Thi Phuong, Nguyen Corey Jacinto , Cuong Tat Nguyen, Linh Gia Vu, Hien Thu Nguyen, Minh Ngoc Le Vu, Xuan Thi Thanh Le, Thao Thanh Nguyen, Quan Thi Pham, Nhung Thi Kim Ta, Quynh Thi Nguyen, Carl A Latkin, Cyrus SH Ho, Roger CM Ho
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Purpose: New COVID-19 variants pose great challenges in protecting the success of vaccination programs. Awareness of community
becomes an important component to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to analyze people’s awareness of COVID-19
and identify the implications for optimal risk communication in Vietnam.
Study Methods and Materials: A total of 341 individuals participated in an online cross-sectional study. Community awareness on
COVID-19 was examined by using a structured questionnaire. Multivariable Tobit regression was used to examine associated factors
with community awareness.
Results: Our results indicated high levels of awareness of local COVID-19 situation, transmission risks, and preventive behavioral
practices during the first week of social isolation. Higher awareness of local pandemic situation was associated with female
respondents (Coef.: 6.19; 95% CI: 0.51; 11.87) and larger family sizes of above 5 people (Coef.: 9.00; −1.00; 19.00). Respondents
between 35–44 years old were shown to be less aware of preventive behavioral practices than other age groups, including the group of
participants above 44 years old (Coef.: −0.34; 95% CI: −0.67; −0.02). Lastly, participants who were “fairly satisfied” with information
resources had awareness levels of preventive behavioral practices lower than that of “unsatisfied” respondents (Coef.: −0.45; 95% CI:
0.74; −0.16).
Conclusion: This study offers crucial insights into the pandemic awareness of citizens and risk communication effectiveness during
COVID-19 in Vietnam. The study findings shall serve the development of policies and interventions aimed at empowering individuals
in the local and global fight against coronavirus
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Risk Management and Healthcare Policy
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