Determinants of Support for Government Actions in a Flu Pandemic

Objectives: We examined what factors are associated with support for probable government actions in a flu pandemic. Method: We analyzed a cross-sectional survey of 1,602 Georgia residents collected in summer 2006. The dependent variable was support for ten probable government actions (e.g., school and border closing, quarantining, rationing, not-fully approved vaccine provision). Independent variables include demographics (race, gender, age, income, education level, home ownership, and residence), psychological variables (perceived severity and susceptibility of pandemic flu), conservatism, religiousness, knowledge about bird flu/pandemic flu, and an index of trust in government. Result: Despite a high level of support for most government actions, many Georgian respondents did not favor public health officials providing people vaccines or drugs that were not fully approved. Our hierarchical regression models indicate that trust in government seems to be the most significant and consistent predictor of support for government actions. In addition, African American respondents are less likely to support the government's actions than the other racial groups. Implications/Conclusion: Governmental risk communicators need to build an understanding of investigational new drugs prior to any need to use them on a large scale. They also should reinforce support for other controversial actions while recognizing that some of this support may erode when it impacts everyday life. Every effort should be made to build trust in government, especially in groups such as African Americans whose mistrust has deep historical roots that have been intensified following Hurricane Katrina.