Researchers at the University of Waterloo are conducting a study on how concerned different age groups are of contracting COVID-19.
According to a news release from the university, people from different age groups are being asked how vulnerable they think they are to getting the virus, and the types of steps they’re taking to avoid contact.
“There are perceptions in social media that the uptake of behaviours to contain COVID-19, such as physical distancing, vary across age groups– but whether this is true is less clear,” said Kinesiology Professor and Lead Researcher, Laura Middleton, in a release from the University of Waterloo.
“This survey will explore how our perceptions of risk and susceptibility, as well as the adoption of preventive behaviours, varies by age group.”
Besides these things, researchers are also looking for participants to comment on whether other age groups are behaving appropriately.
Lauren Bechard, a PhD candidate in Kinesiology and student lead for this project, says the study was inspired by early responses to the COVID-19 pandemic on social media that highlighted generational differences.
She says if the study goes well, this information could be a tool used in shaping effective public health messaging and strategies for different age groups.
“Early reports on COVID-19 might have given people in younger age groups the impression that COVID-19 isn’t something that poses a huge threat to their personal health and well-being.” said Bechard in the release.
“However, they are still affected either directly or indirectly in many ways, including impact on their family and friends and the economy,”
“It’s in everyone’s best interest now to do our part in reigning in the first wave of COVID-19 infection and reducing the size of subsequent waves down the road.” said Bechard in the release.
While the study is waiting on being peer-reviewed, Middleton says researchers are continuing to collect responses from the community.
“We’ve had a great response so far, but would still like to hear from as many different people as possible.” said Middleton in the release, “The more diverse our sample is, the more robust our results will be. Anyone over the age of 18 who can understand written English is invited to participate.”
Those interested in filling out the survey can find it here.
