Gender differences in COVID-19 attitudes and behavior: Panel evidence from eight countries.

ABSTRACT: The initial public health response to the breakout of COVID-19 required fundamental changes in individual behavior, such as isolation at home or wearing masks. The effectiveness of these policies hinges on generalized public obedience. Yet, people's level of compliance may depend on their beliefs regarding the pandemic. We use original data from two waves of a survey conducted in March and April 2020 in eight Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries (n = 21,649) to study gender differences in COVID-19-related beliefs and behaviors. We show that women are more likely to perceive COVID-19 as a very serious health problem, to agree with restraining public policy measures, and to comply with them. Gender differences in attitudes and behavior are sizable in all co

SUBMITTER: Galasso V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7959517 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature