Examining Behavioral Factors Associated with COVID-19

The project has two main objectives. The first purpose is to identify the communication channels that the public trusts in health communication and to follow the public's reactions to the epidemic. The second aim is to examine the social psychological variables associated with COVID-19 vaccination intention and plasma donation intention. The most important findings of the project are related to the prevention behaviors and compliance with the recommendations for COVID-19. While the level of knowledge perceived as strong determinants of protective behaviors and anxiety about COVID-19 stand out; Believing in conspiracy theories, anxiety, perceived information and general trust in information sources come to the fore in complying with the recommendations. Participants' assessments of the appropriateness of the measures decreased from July 2020 to November 2020. The findings indicate that citizens generally do not trust the media, and trust in institutions dropped sharply from July to September and increased slightly in November. It is understood that the trust in the health sector workers and health professional organizations is high and the developments in the process have not damaged this trust. On the other hand, confidence in the Scientific Committee and the Minister of Health fell in November. However, it is seen that the trust in the Turkish Medical Association and health workers continues. In addition, participants' evaluation of plasma donation as a moral behavior is associated with higher intention to donate. Important determinants on the intention to be vaccinated are the trust in vaccines and the sense of social responsibility. It is understood that the epidemic negatively affects the mood of individuals and requires the contribution and effort of all stakeholders in order to persuade the public to behaviors that will help to overcome the epidemic quickly. It can be said that careful avoidance of events and statements that may adversely affect attitudes, strengthening social approval for vaccination, and facilitating vaccination will increase vaccination, especially in public service announcements regarding vaccination. For this, it is necessary to ensure social responsibility and trust in vaccines. In this context, it is extremely important to emphasize that getting vaccinated is a responsibility towards society.