Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Jan 29, 2024
Date Accepted: Jul 25, 2024
Content analysis: Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication and Emotional Appeals in COVID-19 public health messaging in Singapore
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. Complementing 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 aims to analyze public health communication strategies in Singapore during the COVID-19.
Methods:
Quantitative content analysis was conducted on 696 Facebook posts and 83 website articles published by Singapore public health institutions between January 2020 and September 2022.
Results:
Results show that the CERC framework can be applied to the phases of the pandemic in Singapore, and increasing communication about message themes such as inquisitive messaging and clarification can enhance communication strategies. The use of emotional appeals also varies over time and should be carefully employed as they are context-specific.
Conclusions:
Theoretically, this study contributes to the frameworks of CERC and emotional appeals by exploring the application 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.
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Copyright
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