How Government Communication Influences the Protective Behaviors During Pandemic Fatigue: A Study on Long Covid-19

COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical role of communica- tion in managing public health crises. This study, grounded in the WHO’s principles for addressing pandemic fatigue, explores the rela- tionship between perceptions of government communication and the adoption of protective behaviors among Italians. An online survey of 371 participants revealed that perceptions of these principles are linked to greater risk awareness, trust, and norms compliance. However, only risk perception and norms compliance predict protec- tive behaviors. The findings suggest that communication indirectly influences protective behaviors by shaping risk perception and adher- ence to norms, highlighting its importance in supporting public health initiatives during emergencies.