Trust In US Federal, State, And Local Public Health Agencies During COVID-19: Responses And Policy Implications

• DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2022.01204
• Publication Date: 2023-03-06T20:51:41Z
• Authors: Gillian K. SteelF...; Mary G. Findling; Hannah L. Caporello; Keri M. Lubell; Kathleen G. Vidol...; Lindsay Lane; Alyssa A. Boyea; Thomas J. Schafer; Eran N. Ben-Porath

Public health agencies' ability to protect in the wake of COVID-19 largely depends on public trust. In February 2022 we conducted a first-of-its-kind nationally representative survey 4,208 US adults learn public's reported reasons for trust federal, state, and local agencies. Among respondents who expressed "great deal" trust, that was not related primarily control spread but, rather, beliefs those agencies made clear, science-based recommendations provided protective resources. Scientific expertise more commonly reason "a great at federal level, whereas perceptions hard work, compassionate policy, direct services were emphasized state levels. Although especially high, few indicated they had no Lower respondents' politically influenced inconsistent. The least trusting also endorsed concerns about private-sector influence excessive restrictions low government overall. Our findings suggest need support robust communications infrastructure; ensure authority make recommendations; develop strategies engaging different segments public.