Examining the consequences of government information insufficiency during the COVID-19 public health emergency: a cross-sectional study in China
During the COVID-19 pandemic, government information insufficiency emerged as a critical issue with far-reaching consequences. However, its negative impacts were understudied. This study investigates the consequences of government information insufficiency on individuals and governments via an onlin...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Critical Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/09581596.2025.2520405 |
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| Summary: | During the COVID-19 pandemic, government information insufficiency emerged as a critical issue with far-reaching consequences. However, its negative impacts were understudied. This study investigates the consequences of government information insufficiency on individuals and governments via an online survey in China involving 632 participants. Guided by the crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) model, this study focuses on the effects of government information insufficiency on social support, proxy efficacy, and policy effectiveness. The results confirm the indirect negative relationship between government information insufficiency and perceived policy effectiveness. Two mediating pathways are identified: (a) perceived social support mediated the effect of government information insufficiency on perceived policy effectiveness (b= –.003, 95% CI= [–.005, –.001]), and (b) perceived social support and proxy efficacy sequentially mediated the effect of government information insufficiency on perceived policy effectiveness ((b= –.002, 95% CI= [–.004, –.001]). The results underscore the critical importance of effective government crisis communication by illustrating the potential harm of information insufficiency on individuals’ emotional well-being, government image, and policy evaluation. This study highlights the necessity for governments to prioritize individuals in risk management strategies by providing timely and accurate information, thereby offering informational and emotional support to cope with the health crisis. |
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| ISSN: | 0958-1596 1469-3682 |