Science knowledge and trust in medicine affect individuals’ behavior in pandemic crises

Abstract In pandemic crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals’ behavior has a strong impact on epidemiological processes. Compliance with prevention guidelines, social distancing, is critical to avoid further spreading an infectious disease or slow down its spread. However, some individuals also instead engage in panic behavior, hoarding. We investigate how education prepares respond adequately by modelling path from seeking information about eventual behavior. Based sample of N = 1182 adult Americans, gathered at pandemic’s onset (March 2020), we conclude that science knowledge helps convert into coronavirus knowledge. This then Individuals lacking and still comply guidelines when they have general trust medicine. follow Facilitating through targeted public health messaging are likely be fundamental importance for bringing under control.