Factors associated with perceptions of science communication in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, science communication became central to the public health response amid misinformation, information overload, and rapidly evolving evidence. However, factors associated with perceptions of science communication in Latin America remain insufficiently studied.

To identify factors associated with a relatively more favorable perception category related to science communication among adults in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional analytical study using data from an online survey administered between June and August 2020 in Latin America. Perceptions and experiences related to science communication were assessed using an 11-item Spanish-language questionnaire developed for this study through literature review, expert review, a Delphi-informed process, and pilot testing. Items were scored on a five-point Likert scale, yielding total scores from 11 to 55. The upper tertile of the observed score distribution was defined analytically as the relatively more favorable perception category. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using Poisson-family generalized linear models with log link and robust variance.

A total of 9,608 participants from 12 country categories were included. Cronbach's alpha was 0.833. Overall, 33.3% were classified in the relatively more favorable perception category, reflecting an analytical classification rather than a population prevalence estimate. In adjusted analyses, men had a lower prevalence of this category than women (aPR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.83-0.94). Primary/secondary and technical education were associated with higher prevalence compared with no formal education. Compared with Peru, Paraguay and Costa Rica showed higher prevalences, whereas Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Other countries showed lower prevalences.

Perceptions related to science communication were socially patterned by sex, educational level, and country of residence. Given the exploratory instrument and analytical outcome definition, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating.