Trusted sources of information, perceived quality in communication, and health knowledge retention: A national study of COVID-19 pandemic in China

Invited presentation as part of the research panel, Risk/Crisis Communication Research Related to COVID-19 in Asia, chaired by Sriramesh, K., will be presented at the 28th International Public Relations Research Symposium (BledCom), July 2-3, 2021.

Abstract: This research presents the findings from a large-scale national online survey of citizens in Mainland China about the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the time of lockdown and post-pandemic. The study sheds light on the relationship between the trusted sources of COVID-19 information and the perceived quality in communication by jointly considering their impact on individuals’ knowledge retention of COVID-19 related facts. Results revealed that although individuals in China have relied on several major sources to seek COVID-19 information, the perceived quality of communication in user-generated content on social media remain lowest. Individuals’ knowledge retention on COVID-19 related health communication messages also varied by gender and by age. Implications of these findings for theory and public health practice are also discussed.

Juan Meng 

Related Research


Role of fresh start mindset framing in reducing stigma and promoting mental health help-seeking behavior

Lee, Yoon-Joo, Hye Jin Yoon, and Jinho Joo (forthcoming), “Role of fresh start mindset framing in reducing stigma and promoting mental health help-seeking behavior,” Journal of Consumer Behaviour. Abstract: One […]

Hye Jin Yoon
read more
Between the facts and a hard place: Trust judgments and affective responses in information-seeking processes during Early COVID-19

Ivanka Pjesivac, Eldredge, S., Dalton, E., & Miller, L. (2023). “Between the facts and a hard place: Trust judgments and affective responses in information-seeking processes during Early COVID-19,” Health Communication. […]

Ivanka Pjesivac
read more