A new study led by Dr. Dominik Piehlmaier, Dr. Emanuela Stagno, and Agnes Nagy suggests a fresh approach to improve public health campaigns. It challenges the common belief that giving people just facts will make them act responsibly during a pandemic like Covid-19. 

The study examined data from three surveys mainly involving U.S. residents from 2020 to 2022. It discovered some crucial factors that influenced responsible behavior during the pandemic. People who were very sure of what they knew about Covid-19 tended to be less cautious. On the other hand, those who were more afraid of the virus were more likely to take precautions like wearing masks and getting vaccinated. The research also found that when people started to doubt what they knew about Covid-19, they became more scared of the virus and more willing to take steps to protect themselves. 

For policymakers and public health experts, this study suggests a different approach to sharing information. Instead of fact-based awareness campaigns, the study recommends campaigns that consider how confident the public feels. Encouraging people to think about their beliefs regarding Covid-19 might be a better way to get them to act responsibly.