Short report: association between self-reported COVID-19 experience and contemptuous beliefs about pandemic management among German citizens and healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the importance of public adherence to pandemic management measures. Contempt for these measures could undermine compliance in future pandemics. This study explored associations between self-reported COVID-19 experiences and contemptuous beliefs about COVID-19 pandemic management.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey study was conducted in September 2024 with 964 German citizens and 423 healthcare professionals from respondi panels (Cologne, Germany). Respondents reported their attitudes toward eight contemptuous statements regarding COVID-19 pandemic management and their personal COVID-19 experiences, including infection, vaccine side effects, long COVID, and patient care (for professionals). Associations were analyzed using logistic regression and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

Citizens with self-reported experience of COVID-19 infections were less likely to hold contemptuous beliefs (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.39-0.85; P = .005), while those with experience of vaccine side effects were considerably more likely (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.10-1.92; P = .009). Long COVID had no significant effect. Among professionals, not having cared for COVID-19 patients doubled the likelihood of contempt (OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.28-3.45; P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that experiential factors may contribute to belief formation-an area with limited empirical attention but potential relevance for addressing societal polarization.