COVID-19 Instrument
The UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (PIE Center) conducted a series of national public opinion surveys to examine the perceptions of Americans related to COVID-19. The PIE Center launched the series of surveys in mid-March 2020 and has plans to continue public opinion surveys related to COVID-19 through summer 2021. In addition, the PIE Center surveyed leaders in agriculture and natural resources sectors to explore their unique concerns and beliefs early in the pandemic. This article’s focus is on the resources PIE developed based on these data and the research tool used to collect data to inform the resource development. Others can evaluate specific needs in their states to create resources that meet their Extension stakeholders’ needs.
General Concerns
- I am concerned that I am personally at risk of contracting COVID-19.
- I am concerned that my loved ones are at risk of contracting COVID-19.
- I am concerned about my likeliness of coming into contact with a person infected with COVID-19.
- I am concerned that I could die from COVID-19.
- I am concerned my loved ones could die from COVID-19.
- I am concerned that others in my state are at risk of contracting COVID-19.
- I am concerned that people in other areas of the United States are at risk of contracting the COVID-19.
- I am concerned that people in other countries are at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Construct reliability: PO1 (.92), ANR (.86a, .74b), PO2 (.89), PO3 (.96), PO4 (.91)
Economic Concerns
- I am concerned there will be an increase in food prices because of COVID-19.
- I am concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on my state’s economy.
- I am concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. economy.
- I am concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the global economy.
- I am concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on my personal finances.
- I am concerned about the financial impacts of COVID-19 on large U.S. corporations.
- I am concerned about the financial impacts of COVID-19 on small businesses in the U.S.
- I am concerned about the financial impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Construct reliability: PO1 (.84), ANR (.75), PO2 (.85), PO3 (.94), PO4 (.88)
Preparedness Concerns
- I am concerned about my personal level of preparedness to deal with COVID-19.
- I am concerned about my loved ones’ level of preparedness to deal with COVID-19.
- I am concerned about the level of preparedness of the general public in dealing with COVID-19.
- I am concerned about my local community’s level of preparedness to deal with COVID-19.
- I am concerned about my state’s level of preparedness to deal with COVID-19.
- I am concerned about the United States’ level of preparedness to deal with COVID-19.
- I am concerned about other countries’ level of preparedness to deal with COVID-19.
- I am concerned about health care professionals’ level of preparedness to deal with COVID-19.
Construct reliability: PO1 (.90), ANR (.86), PO2 (.90), PO3 (.95), PO4 (.92)
Communication Concerns
- I am concerned that I am not getting accurate information about COVID-19.
- I am concerned that my loved ones are not getting accurate information about COVID-19.
- I am concerned that others are not getting accurate information about COVID-19.
Construct reliability: PO1 (.88), ANR (.67), PO2 (.86), PO3 (.92), PO4 (.91)
Demographic Items Unique to COVID-19
Demographic items were included in all surveys related to age, income, race, ethnicity, political beliefs, residency location, occupation, and gender. Some demographic items were developed specific to COVID-19, and these items are included here so others can consider the use of these items to meet the needs of resource development in their Extension programs.
- Covid employment
- Children at home
- Spouse covid employment
- Childcare available
- Work from home
- Risk level
- Parents
- Grandparents
More information, items, constructs, and publications related to this are available for download below. Enter your name and email to access the downloadable content.
