This study utilizes a two-phase sequential mixed-methods approach to thoroughly examine trust dynamics, with a particular focus on public trust in science and health institutions during the pandemic.
This phased approach is structured to address the research questions comprehensively, integrating quantitative data to capture broad trends alongside qualitative insights that yield a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping vaccine hesitancy.
Phase 1: Quantitative
Phase 1 of this study was conducted by Leger, Canada's leading data collection company, using its extensive panel of over 400,000 members.
The study targeted Canadian residents aged 18+ who had lived in Canada during most or all of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants were invited to complete an online survey in English or French, which took an average of 13 minutes.
The survey, pre-tested with 44 respondents, included about 70 questions and was designed for clarity and ease of completion.
To ensure representative sample, recuitment followed demographic targets based on 2021 Canadian Census data, with weighting applied for age, gender, region and ethnicity.
At the end, participants could opt into Phase 2, providing the opportunity for follow-up interviews.
Phase 2: Qualitative
Phase 2 of the study delves into trust dynamics through qualitative interviews, offering a deeper understanding of how trust in public health evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants reflect on their definitions of trust, the criteria used to assess public health messaging and the influence of personal experiences and expert communication.
The interviews explore factors like perceived honesty, competence and beneficence of health authorities, as well as participants' vaccine-related decisions and their impact on trust.
This phase provides valuable insights and recommendations to improve trust and equity in future public health crises, complementing the quantitative data.