Crisis and emergency risk communication and emotional appeals in COVID-19 public health messaging: Quantitative content analysis

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-2024

Abstract

Background: Although COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, it remains pervasive in Singapore, a city-state situated in Southeast Asia, with periodic waves of infection. In addition to disease management, strong communication strategies are critical in the government’s response to the pandemic to keep the public updated and equip them in protecting themselves.Objective: Grounded in the crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) framework and emotional appeals, this study aimed to analyze public health communication strategies in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Quantitative content analysis was conducted on 696 Facebook (Meta Platforms Inc) posts and 83 website articles published by Singapore-based public health institutions between January 2020 and September 2022.Results: The results showed that increasing communication on message themes, such as inquisitive messaging and clarification, can enhance communication strategies. The use of emotional appeals also varies with time and should be carefully used as they are context-specific.Conclusions: Theoretically, this study contributes to advancements in the CERC framework and concepts of emotional appeals by exploring the applications and changes of CERC message types and emotional appeals at different phases. The findings can provide practical guidance for authorities and communication practitioners in developing effective communication strategies.

Keywords

COVID-19, Crisis and emergency risk communication, CERC, Emotional appeal, Content analysis, Public health, Facebook, Social media, Singapore

Discipline

Asian Studies | Health Communication | Social Media

Research Areas

Integrative Research Areas

Publication

Journal of Medical Internet Research

Volume

26

ISSN

1439-4456

Identifier

10.2196/56854

Publisher

JMIR Publications

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.2196/56854

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