Risk Communication in Latin America: an Evaluation of Its Impact While Facing the Covid-19 Pandemic

The systemic risk scenario generated by the COVID-19 pandemic implies reviewing how risk communication mechanisms are capable of influencing people's behavior and, with this, promote adherence to self-care and prevention measures. To evaluate them, this research analyzes the case of 4 Latin American cities, comparing the policies promoted by national governments and the determinants of adherence. Thus, it is established that trust in whoever communicates, and in the media continues to be a critical factor in the adoption of measures by the population, as well as some sociodemographic factors (age and educational level). At the same time, it shows that people living in the city of Buenos Aires have had a higher level of compliance than those of Santiago, Lima, and Bogotá. The research allows us to conclude that the field of risk communication in the region requires better understanding and development by the various actors involved in it.