Association Between Actual and Perceived U.S. COVID-19 Policies and Preventive Behavior

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Health Policy

Background:

• COVID-19 policies varied significantly across US states, including mask mandates and reopening timelines.
• This policy variation created confusion regarding public health guidelines during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the alignment between public perception and actual COVID-19 policies in the US.
• To determine how actual versus perceived policies predict mask-wearing and social distancing behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study surveyed 1,073 US adults representative of the population.
• Data collected included participants' reported behaviors, perceptions of state policies, and objective policy measures.
• Statistical analysis controlled for demographic factors, numeracy, and COVID-19 history.

Main Results:

• Public perception of mask mandates was accurate in states with mandates (91%) but inaccurate in states without (46%).
• Perception of state reopening levels did not correlate with actual policies.
• Perceived mask mandates, not actual ones, positively predicted mask-wearing and social distancing behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Public perception of state-level mask mandates tended to overestimate their existence.
• Perceptions of state reopening policies were largely inaccurate.
• Perceived mask mandates were a stronger predictor of preventive behaviors than actual mandates.