Inequalities in Trust Levels and Compliance With Physical Distancing During COVID-19 Outbreaks: Comparing the Arab Minority and Jewish Populations in Israel

Abstract

Objectives: This study explores associations between trust in directives and compliance with physical distancing by comparing two populations in Israel.Methods: Following two lockdowns, we conducted two cross-sectional surveys among the Arab minority and Jewish citizens of Israel (first survey, N = 613; second survey, N = 542). We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses for the association between trust and compliance with physical distancing separately for each group in each survey.Results: In both surveys trust levels were significantly lower among Arabs than Jews (p < 0.001). Compared to Jews, Arabs were less likely to report compliance with physical distancing in the first and second surveys (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.32–0.84 and OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.39–0.98, respectively). In both surveys trusting the directives was an important determinant of compliance with physical distancing among Jews only.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that momentum is important in building and maintaining public trust and compliance during pandemics. Policymakers should note the lack of trust among Arabs, which warrants further research and interventions.

Perceived Health Risks, Health Behaviors, and BMI Among Diverse Adults in Israel

“…Despite having access to universal health insurance and advanced health care services in Israel (Muhsen et al, 2017), Muslim adults experience limited access to health information and supplementary health insurance (Chernichovsky et al, 2017). In the study by Shibli et al (2022), disparities in adherence to COVID-19 guidelines between Muslim and Jewish adults were noted, which may be related to a lack of trust in the government and Ministry of Health guidelines (Shibli et al, 2022). Moreover, an online survey among Muslim adults in Israel showed that mistrust in the government and a lack of perceived risk regarding the severity of COVID-19 increased the likelihood of Muslim adults not complying with recommendations (Ali-Saleh & Obeid, 2022).…”

Information under lockdown: A content analysis of government communication strategies on Facebook during the COVID-19 outbreak

“…In addition, several researchers proposed that government ministries that want to strengthen their images and public engagement and discourse with citizens on social networks should promote and create unique and tailored content for relevant communities [ 29 ]. For example, during the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel, it was suggested that targeted interventions by the government could improve compliance with physical distancing measures among the Arab population [ 30 ]. In a similar manner, Shomron and David [ 31 ] stated that responsible risk communication through digital channels and adaptation to cultural media habits helped promote safer behavior during times of emergency for the ultra-orthodox Israeli communities.…”

The COVID-19 Israeli tapestry: the intersectionality health equity challenge

“…During the second COVID-19 wave, and the expansion of infections in Arab localities (mainly related to large gatherings in weddings and commercial centers) coordination efforts with local leaders were renewed and tailored solutions were delivered, to provide food packages to people in isolation and emphasize religious and community leaders calls for adhering to mitigation and control requirements. Nonetheless, the financial strains and political mistrusts surfaced, highlighting the implications of lockdowns on already strained and unstable economic and social conditions [ 23 ]. Additionally, social and cultural factors played an important role in vaccine uptake.…”