Objective: The spread of misinformation about COVID-19 severely influences the governments' ability to address the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the predictors of accurate beliefs about COVID-19 and its influence on COVID-related policy and behavior.
Methods: Data from an original survey collected by Lucid in July 2020 are used. Ordinary Least Squares regression (OLS) is used to predict accurate beliefs about COVID-19. Ordered logistic regression models are estimated to examine the relationship between COVID-19 knowledge, policy preferences, and health behavior intentions.
Results: Ideology and education were found to have a positive effect on knowledge about COVID-19. Moreover, low levels of knowledge about COVID-19 were found to reduce support for mandatory vaccination policy and willingness to get a coronavirus vaccine when available.
Conclusion: These findings will help policymakers develop communication strategies for the public on the coronavirus vaccination.
© 2021 by the Southwestern Social Science Association.