Comparative analysis of health authorities' spokespersons and health influencers during the COVID-19 pandemic [version 2; peer review: 1 approved]

The primary purpose of this research is to compare government and non-government spokespersons by examining their roles in educating about COVID-19 vaccines and health services. This study employed comparative factor analysis and non-participatory observation toward the media activity of spokespersons in Indonesia. Using a questionnaire, this study examined the dimensions of public campaigns, risk communication, health and emergency, leadership and communication from Indonesian spokespersons. The data collection was conducted in two stages: a pilot study involving 102 respondents and the actual study involving 276 respondents. This study found that the highest perceived benefits and behavioral change come from the non-government spokesperson, of which 26.45% and 18.48% of respondents strongly agree, while the lowest is from a government spokesperson with no medical background. This study also found from five-health spokespersons, the best two are occupied by non-government with medical backgrounds, with 31.52% and 29.35% of respondents strongly agree. However, most respondents had high trust in the governments, with 14.49% strongly agreeing. Compared to those from the governmental sector, spokespersons from the non-governmental sector are perceived to induce higher perceived benefits in delivering the message. However, this does not mean there is no utility in using governmental sector spokespersons, as they are also shown to induce high levels of trust. Overall, governmental and non-governmental spokespersons show utility in different communication aspects, highlighting the need for targeted communication strategies. To conclude, these findings demonstrate that government spokespersons for the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia receive the same high level of trust as non-government spokespersons regarding communicating health hazards. The public looks forward to the regularity and routine of the leaders who serve as spokespersons in hopes of easing concerns and tension brought on by the ongoing appearance of the Omicron variation in Indonesia.