Sources of information in times of scientific uncertainty: an exploratory analysis on the Zika virus in Brazil

• In Event: How Do They Understand the Science? Communicating Science, Risks, and Disasters 2

Abstract

During the Zika virus epidemics in Brazil in 2015 newborn babies were diagnosed with microcephaly. Frequently, measurements of cranial circumference diverged from the scientific standards and its relationship with Zika was unclear. This prompted general interest, with the Government and the World Health Organization declaring a national emergency. Due to the limitations in respect to knowledge about Zika virus, the public, medicine doctors and scientists had to cope with this situation with limited knowledge. This paper discusses the sources of information for health professionals and the public in general in relation to scientific uncertainty. We present evidence on the sources of information used by health professionals and members of the public about the Zika virus. The contribution of this paper lies on the nature of the data, studies about the Zika outbreak focus on data extracted directly from media sources. This study covers a random sample of health professionals and the population in general - including those directly exposed to the outbreak. One hundred interviews covered the frequency, sources of information and perceptions about the Zika virus. As expected, members of the public reported access to narrower sources of information. However, the types of media sources used by health professionals converged with those used by the public in general. We argue that scientific knowledge could have been harnessed in more effective ways, by helping in the communication of the actual known risks, degree of State support to public science and healthcare and state of the outbreak.

Authors

• Andre Sica de Campos, Unicamp

• Janaina Costa, Unicamp

• Rhiannon Kroeger, Louisiana State University

• Wesley Shrum, Louisiana State University