COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy and Russian Public Support for Anti-Pandemic Measures
Principal Investigator(s): View help for Principal Investigator(s) Ekaterina Borisova, HSE University; Denis Ivanov, HSE University
Version: View help for Version V1
| Name | File Type | Size | Last Modified |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
application/x-stata-dta | 405.6 KB | 09/22/2021 02:45:AM |
|
|
application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet | 159.5 KB | 09/20/2021 01:04:PM |
|
|
application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document | 18.8 KB | 09/20/2021 03:26:AM |
|
|
application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document | 13.5 KB | 09/22/2021 02:25:AM |
|
|
text/plain | 13.8 KB | 09/22/2021 03:01:AM |
Project Citation:
Borisova, Ekaterina, and Ivanov, Denis. COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy and Russian Public Support for Anti-Pandemic Measures. Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributor], 2021-09-22. https://doi.org/10.3886/E150541V1
Project Description
Summary:
View help for Summary
In this study, we
use random assignment of vignettes that feature optimistic and pessimistic
scenarios with respect to vaccine safety and efficacy on a sample of roughly 1,600
Russians in order to gauge public support for anti-pandemic measures under various
scenarios. Negative information on vaccine safety and
efficacy reduces support for the anti-pandemic measures among individuals who
fear Covid-19 and were initially more supportive of government restrictions.
These individuals tend to be old, and therefore vulnerable to Covid-19, and politically
active. This loss of support is strongest for economically and psychologically costly measures such
as banning of large gatherings and the shuttering of non-essential businesses.
Mask-wearing, which involves only minor costs, finds broad acceptance. Importantly,
our results stay robust to the inclusion of trust in government. We interpret the
reactions in light of adaptation, fatigue over Covid-19 restrictions, and
fatalism. The political consequences of non-pharmaceutical
measures to deal with a pandemic include loss of public support over time, erosion
of trust in government, and political backlash.
Funding Sources:
View help for Funding Sources
The article was prepared within the framework of the HSE University Basic Research Program
Scope of Project
Subject Terms:
View help for Subject Terms
Covid-19;
vaccine;
non-pharmaceutical measures;
anti-pandemic restrictions;
lockdown;
anxiety
Geographic Coverage:
View help for Geographic Coverage
Russia
Time Period(s):
View help for Time Period(s)
7/23/2020 – 7/30/2020
Collection Date(s):
View help for Collection Date(s)
7/23/2020 – 7/30/2020
Data Type(s):
View help for Data Type(s)
survey data
Methodology
Sampling:
View help for Sampling
The survey
design is based on a probability sampling method. The survey was conducted on a
two-base sample consisting of mobile and landline numbers. The sampling of both
mobile and landline telephone numbers was carried out by randomly generating
telephone numbers. Quotas on completed interviews were imposed to match
population distribution across geographical regions of Russia (i.e. seven Federal
Districts plus the City of Moscow, with the Southern and North Caucasus Federal
Districts were treated as a single entity).
Respondents were
randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group (N = 556) received no
treatment. The second group (N = 525) received the positive message, which read
as follows:
“At this moment,
teams of scientists around the globe are conducting research on Covid-19
vaccines to contain further outbreaks of the disease. Initial trials have
demonstrated the efficacy and safety of these vaccines. Once additional trials
are completed, mass vaccination should be possible within a few months.”
The third group (N
= 536) received the negative message reading as follows:
“At this moment,
teams of scientists around the globe are conducting research on Covid-19
vaccines to contain further outbreaks of the disease. However, there is still
insufficient information on the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. It is
likely that they only provide protection against Covid-19 for a few months and
may cause side-effects in some individuals.”
Next, respondents were asked to rate their level of support for the anti-pandemic measures. The questions were worded as follows: “To what extent do you support wearing masks in public places / banning mass gatherings / shutting down non-essential businesses to contain the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) if the number of infected people increased over the next few months?” The answer options were “Definitely yes”, “Rather yes”, “Rather no”, and “Definitely no.”
Before the treatment, respondents were asked to assess their fears of contracting Covid-19. The question was worded as follows: “Are you afraid of contracting the coronavirus (Covid-19)?” The same answer options as in the questions on support for the anti-pandemic measures were available.
In addition, respondents provided their key demographic characteristics such as gender, age, educational attainment, occupation, self-assessment of material well-being, as well as working status during the lockdown period (remote work, reduced working hours, etc.). We also collect information on where the respondent resides.
The survey was performed by the Levada Center, a
private research institute based in Moscow. The survey comprised a nationally
representative sample of Russians (N = 1,617) polled in late July 2020. The
survey experiment commissioned by the authors was a part of a regular omnibus
survey ensuring confidentiality of the respondents. All respondents voluntarily
consented to participation in the survey and were able to quit the survey at
any moment.
Next, respondents were asked to rate their level of support for the anti-pandemic measures. The questions were worded as follows: “To what extent do you support wearing masks in public places / banning mass gatherings / shutting down non-essential businesses to contain the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) if the number of infected people increased over the next few months?” The answer options were “Definitely yes”, “Rather yes”, “Rather no”, and “Definitely no.”
Before the treatment, respondents were asked to assess their fears of contracting Covid-19. The question was worded as follows: “Are you afraid of contracting the coronavirus (Covid-19)?” The same answer options as in the questions on support for the anti-pandemic measures were available.
In addition, respondents provided their key demographic characteristics such as gender, age, educational attainment, occupation, self-assessment of material well-being, as well as working status during the lockdown period (remote work, reduced working hours, etc.). We also collect information on where the respondent resides.
Related Publications
Published Versions
Report a Problem
Found a serious problem with the data, such as disclosure risk or copyrighted content? Let us know.
This material is distributed exactly as received from the data depositor. As of April 2026, depositors are required to submit study materials in accessible formats. ICPSR has not reviewed, checked, or processed this material. For additional information about the study, please contact the investigator(s) directly. If you have questions about the accessibility of materials distributed by ICPSR or require further assistance, please visit ICPSR's Accessibility Center.