Abstract
Objective
This study investigates how local policy stakeholders viewed and used research evidence, data, and (mis)information in county policy discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method
We employed document and exploratory content analysis methods to examine Board of Supervisor materials (N = 534 policy documents) from general and special/emergency meetings (March 2020 – December 2022). We purposefully selected three jurisdictions from California, USA with varying socio-demographic, political, and health care characteristics as case studies.
Results
Many residents who commented during local policy discussions contested the: 1) validity of health data provided (i.e., mortality rates), and 2) efficacy of proposed preventive measures like mask wearing and vaccine receipt. While government officials and healthcare personnel referenced research evidence and data as justification for these measures, several stakeholders expressed skepticism about the information presented in all three counties. Perceptions of misinformation included statements by residents that questioned the COVID-19 information provided by government officials or reflected a belief that federal and state government agencies (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC) were sources of misinformation. An emergent finding was that many residents voiced uncertainty and requested more information about local pandemic conditions and policy mitigation strategies.
Conclusions
Results reveal a distrust of public health and government officials and data/information shared in local policymaking debates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local health departments may benefit from investing in efforts to increase their credibility as trusted sources of health information among community members. Local government agencies should develop transparent health promotion campaigns to identify and dispel misinformation.