How Infectious Diseases Impact Trust in Politics
A recent study reveals that experiencing infectious disease outbreaks can lead to a decline in trust towards political institutions, including the president, parliament, and ruling party. Researchers focused on outbreaks in African countries and found that individuals affected by diseases showed lower levels of trust compared to unaffected individuals. The study emphasizes the importance of policymakers integrating trust-preservation strategies into epidemic response plans to rebuild political trust during health crises.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the social impact of emerging infectious diseases, similar to historical events like the Black Plague and the Spanish Flu. However, the influence of epidemics on political trust and stability has been overlooked. Political scientists Ore Koren and Nils Weidmann found that individuals affected by infectious disease outbreaks tend to have less trust in political institutions, including the president, parliament, and ruling party of their country.
The researchers studied zoonotic disease outbreaks in African countries, linking outbreak data with citizen surveys. They discovered that individuals who experienced outbreaks had lower trust in political actors compared to unaffected individuals. Outbreaks in neighboring countries did not affect political trust in one's own country, showing a localized impact.
The researchers suggest that the loss of trust may stem from government failures in disease management and containment. They emphasize the importance of integrating trust-building strategies into epidemic response plans, such as transparent decision-making and clear communication. Engaging with community leaders and monitoring public sentiment are also recommended to rebuild trust in political leadership during health crises.
According to the source: News-Medical.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
