Public perception of the appropriateness of COVID-19 management strategies and level of disturbances in daily activities: A focus on educational level.

Abstract

BackgroundThis study investigated the association between public perception of the appropriateness of management strategies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of disturbances in daily activities reported by the general population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used Korea Community Health Survey conducted from August to November 2020. Public perception of COVID-19 management strategies included those implemented by the government (central, city or provincial, and administrative districts), the mass media, regional medical institutions, and neighbors. The subjective level of disturbances in daily activities was measured using a 0-100 numeric rating scale developed by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used. A subgroup analysis was conducted based on education level.ResultsThe present study analyzed 211,353 participants. Compared to individuals who perceived that the management strategies implemented during the pandemic was 'highly appropriate,' those who reported 'mediocre appropriateness' (β: -1.96, p-value: ConclusionsThe findings suggest the importance of public perception of management strategies when implementing containment policies and minimizing its disturbances on daily lives is essential.