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Political views, health literacy, and COVID-19 beliefs and behaviors: A moderated mediation model

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  • Cameron, Linda D.
  • Lawler, Sheleigh
  • Robbins-Hill, Alexandra
  • Toor, Imrinder
  • Brown, Paul M.

Abstract

Mitigating the spread of COVID-19 requires that people understand the need for and engage in protective behaviors. Given the complexity and rapid progression of media information about the pandemic, health literacy could be essential to acquiring the accurate beliefs, concern for societal risks, and appreciation of restrictive policies needed to motivate these behaviors. Yet with the increasingly politicized nature of COVID-related issues in the United States, health literacy could be an asset for those with more liberal views but less so for those with more conservative views.

Suggested Citation

  • Cameron, Linda D. & Lawler, Sheleigh & Robbins-Hill, Alexandra & Toor, Imrinder & Brown, Paul M., 2023. "Political views, health literacy, and COVID-19 beliefs and behaviors: A moderated mediation model," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:320:y:2023:i:c:s0277953623000278
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115672
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anton Gollwitzer & Cameron Martel & William J. Brady & Philip Pärnamets & Isaac G. Freedman & Eric D. Knowles & Jay J. Van Bavel, 2020. "Partisan differences in physical distancing are linked to health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(11), pages 1186-1197, November.
    2. Al Sayah, F. & Johnson, S.T. & Vallance, J., 2016. "Health literacy, pedometer, and self-reported walking among older adults," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(2), pages 327-333.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ben Nasr, Imed & Kondrateva, Galina & Khvatova, Tatiana & Ben Arfi, Wissal, 2024. "The role of Contact-Tracing Mobile Apps in pandemic prevention: A multidisciplinary perspective on health beliefs, social, and technological factors," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 358(C).

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