80% of Brazilians agree to follow science to contain coronavirus

A survey conducted with more than 1,600 Brazilians showed that the majority, about 80%, agree with the recommendations of scientists and health professionals in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study by the National Institute of Public Communications for Science and Technology, which draws on the work of researchers from 25 Brazilian and international universities and scientific institutions, including Viecruz, analyzed the way people see the disease in the country.

Questions answered by participants included the severity and risks of dacovid-19, sources of information and reliability, precautions and priorities in dealing with the disease, and trust relationships in science.

In the survey applied between May and June 2020, more than 97% of respondents said they trust scientists to find a cure for the coronavirus. But the study revealed some difficulty with the ability to communicate and the clarity of the information conveyed by these professionals.

The survey showed that 82% of respondents agree that they can reduce the risk of contamination if they follow the guidelines indicated by health institutions. Young people between the ages of 18 and 24 are very different: for them, following precautions does not mean avoiding the risk of infection.

The majority of study participants did not agree with the idea that “nothing can be done to prevent infection with the Corona virus,” and they also recognized that the only way to avoid illness was to stay at home. The idea of ​​social isolation is better accepted among women than among men.

The survey also showed that although nearly 80% of respondents agreed with the recommendations of scientists and health professionals, for people with household incomes up to a minimum wage, the impossibility of following them is higher due to a lack of resources.