S13: Health Communication Promotes Compliance to Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Through Plain Language

Poster Presenter

Viola Brown

Graduate Student
Temple University
United States

Objectives

This communication review evaluated health communications across different states in the United States during the coronavirus pandemic.

Method

We compared medical communication for the top 3 states with the highest and lowest incidence of COVID-19 infection. Additionally, the information was evaluated for use of plain language, incorporation of infographics, and transparency.

Results

Many Americans lack health literacy, which may increase the risk of exposure and disease transmission. Health communication using plain language can help the public make informed decisions to reduce exposure. From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encouraged the public to use health precautions, including quarantine, social distancing, the use of masks, and travel restrictions. Even with this information, the transmission of the virus and active infections varied across the population of each state. The states that emphasized and promoted the CDC guidelines in plain language and used infographics had fewer COVID-19 cases per capita per 100,000 people.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating around the world, particularly in the United States, which has had the highest COVID-19 cases. States communicated public health precautions differently and acted independently to reopen their economies, allow social gatherings, and lift travel restrictions. Comparing medical communications showed that state and local guidances had fundamental differences in medical communication and compliance with regulations, which could influence the incidence of disease. Concerted efforts to improve health communication can increase health outcomes over time. Clear communication for the COVID-19 vaccine can help decrease the spread of disease across the United States. The use of plain language to convey health information at the state or local level can help individuals make informed decisions about their health, take safety precautions, and reduce disease exposure.