Educational inequalities in risk perception, perceived effectiveness, trust and preventive behaviour in the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

Objectives: This study analysed educational inequalities in risk perception, perceived effectiveness, trust and adherence to preventive behaviours in the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany.

Study design: This was a cross-sectional online survey.

Methods: Data were obtained from the GESIS Panel Special Survey on the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in Germany, including 2949 participants. Stepwise linear regression was conducted to analyse educational inequalities in risk perception, perceived effectiveness, trust and adherence to preventive behaviours considering age, gender, family status and household size as covariates.

Results: We found lower levels in risk perception, trust towards scientists and adherence to preventive behaviour among individuals with lower education, a lower level of trust towards general practitioners among individuals with higher education and no (clear) educational inequalities in perceived effectiveness and trust towards local and governmental authorities.

Conclusion: The results underline the relevance of a comprehensive and strategic management in communicating the risks of the pandemic and the benefits of preventive health behaviours by politics and public health. Risk and benefit communication must be adapted to the different needs of social groups in order to overcome educational inequalities in risk perception, trust and adherence to preventive behaviour.