Table 2.
Summary of variables, survey questions, and measurements.
| Survey Questions | Measurement | |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome Variables | ||
| Perceived Severity (Cronbach α = 0.79) |
I believe that COVID-19 is a deadly disease. | 5-point scale where 1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree |
| I believe that COVID-19 can bring severe health problems. | ||
| I believe that COVID-19 is a serious threat to my health. | ||
| Preventive Actions (Cronbach α = 0.76) |
Clean hands often. | 5-point scale where 1 = least likely and 5 = most likely |
| Wear a face mask outside. | ||
| Limit outdoor activities. | ||
| Avoid attending mass gathering. | ||
| Keep social distance with others. | ||
| Avoid close contact with people who are sick. | ||
| Independent Variable | ||
| Age | Please select your age from the following choices. | 1 = Generation Z (18–24) 2 = Generation Y (25–39) 3 = Generation X (40–54) 4 = Baby Boomers (55 and above) |
| Control Variables | ||
| Gender | What’s your gender? | 1 = male and 0 = female |
| Partisanship | Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as a Republican, Democrat, independent, or what? | 1 = Independent 2 = Republican 3 = Democrat |
| Ethnicity | Which of the following best describes your racial/ethnic identity? | 1 = White 2 = Non-white (i.e., African Americans) |
| Education | What is the highest degree or level of education you have completed? | 1 = less than high school diploma … and 7 = doctorate degree |
| Income | What is your annual income? | 1 = $20,000 or under … and 6 = $100,001 and higher |
| Location | What is the state where you are living in? | 1 = most affected states (NY, CA, FL, LA, IL, MA, MI, NJ, PA) 0 = less affected states (the other 41 states) |
| Personal Relevance |
Is there anyone you know (e.g., family members, friends, colleagues, acquaintances) who have confirmed or suspected COVID-19? | 1 = yes 0 = no |
| COVID information (Cronbach α = 0.83) |
How much COVID-related information have you received from each of the following communication channels? (Broadcast television news, Cable television news, Print newspapers, Radio, Online News, Facebook, Twitter, Friends and family). |
5-point scale where 1 = not at all and 5 = a great deal |