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How populist-aligned views are reflected in people's accounts of the receipt of public health interventions: a systematic review of qualitative studies

Author

Listed:
  • Conway-Moore, Kaitlin
  • McKinlay, Alison R.
  • Birch, Jack M.
  • Graham, Fiona
  • Oliver, Emily J.
  • Bambra, Clare
  • Kelly, Michael P.
  • Bonell, Chris

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests an increasing backlash towards government-led public health interventions in the areas of vaccination, climate change, sexual and reproductive healthcare, and non-pharmaceutical infection control measures. One potential driver of resistance may be the evidenced rise in populist politics and attitudes in many countries over the last two decades. To better understand people's views and perspectives on the relationship between these two phenomena, we present qualitative evidence from a systematic review examining how populist-style attitudes may affect the receipt and impact of public health interventions. Focusing on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, we thematically synthesise 52 papers to construct a conceptual framework. This outlines (i) how existing populist-type views can find a new mode of expression in and/or be amplified by public health interventions and emergencies; (ii) the processes through which populist-type views may influence others' attitudes towards the receipt of public health interventions; and (iii) how populist-informed non-adherence to public health interventions affects social unity. From a policy perspective, the findings from this review suggest the need for public health communications to be more effective in combating misinformation, and for key messengers to be more nuanced and transparent in their approaches to engaging the public, including by recognising and responding directly to people's concerns. There is also evidence of the need to involve and engage with diverse members of the population in developing public health messaging, and for politicians to lead by example, adhering to the standards they expect of others.

Suggested Citation

  • Conway-Moore, Kaitlin & McKinlay, Alison R. & Birch, Jack M. & Graham, Fiona & Oliver, Emily J. & Bambra, Clare & Kelly, Michael P. & Bonell, Chris, 2025. "How populist-aligned views are reflected in people's accounts of the receipt of public health interventions: a systematic review of qualitative studies," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 381(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:381:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625006434
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118312
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shoba Poduval & Atiya Kamal & Sam Martin & Amin Islam & Chandrika Kaviraj & Paramjit Gill, 2023. "Beyond Information Provision: Analysis of the Roles of Structure and Agency in COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence in Ethnic Minority Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(21), pages 1-16, November.
    2. Yolanda Eraso & Stephen Hills, 2021. "Intentional and unintentional non-adherence to social distancing measures during COVID-19: A mixed-methods analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(8), pages 1-29, August.
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    4. Power, Séamus A. & Schaeffer, Merlin & Heisig, Jan P. & Udsen, Rebecca & Morton, Thomas, 2023. "Why trust? A mixed‐method investigation of the origins and meaning of trust during the COVID‐19 lockdown in Denmark," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 62(3), pages 1376-1394.
    5. Randall, Jason G. & Dalal, Dev K. & Dowden, Aileen, 2023. "Factors associated with contact tracing compliance among communities of color in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
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