Understanding information about COVID-19: how sources’ reliability and level of understanding influenced adherence to sanitary measures in Canada

Abstract Previous studies have highlighted the importance of promoting health literacy and minimizing misinformation to encourage higher adherence to key sanitary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores how one’s understanding of information and sources’ reliability can hinder adherence to sanitary measures implemented by the Canadian government. Data was collected from a representative sample of 3,617 Canadians, following a longitudinal design of 11 measurement times from April 2020 to April 2021. Overall, a low level of understanding was associated with membership in lower adherence trajectories to sanitary measures. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) showed it was between 3 and 34 times more likely for participants with low understanding to be in the lowest adherence trajectory. Information sources’ reliability also showed a significant effect on adherence trajectories for social distancing and staying home (AOR: between 1.5 and 2.5). These results are discussed considering future policy implications.