On December 4th through 8th, 2020, we asked Oregonians a series of questions related to COVID-19. Topics included their own behavior, their perception of COVID-19 news coverage, their willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination, and more. Findings will include citation of the relevant question, which can be referenced in the annotated questionnaire and tabs below.
Personal Behaviors and Experience
- Oregonians were much less likely to be willing to participate in activities indoors that might put them at risk for contracting COVID-19 than outdoors (Q1-Q7).
- 19% of Oregonians traveled outside their community over the previous two weeks, which included the Thanksgiving holiday. The most likely to travel were younger Oregonians (Q10).
- 63% of Oregonians reported that they have not spent more than 30 minutes indoors, without face coverings, with people who did not live in their household during the previous two weeks, which included the Thanksgiving holiday (Q11).
- 14% of Oregonians reported knowing someone who died due to COVID-19 (Q15).
Willingness, or Unwillingness, to be Vaccinated
- When it comes to COVID-19 vaccination, less than half of Oregonians say they are very willing to take a vaccine as soon as it is available (38%). An additional 21% say they are somewhat willing. More than one quarter (27%) say they are not willing to take a vaccine as soon as it becomes available (Q8).
- In response to a validating question about taking the vaccine if it were available to them at no cost, 61% of Oregonians indicated that they would agree to be vaccinated (Q16).
- More Oregonians feel the news coverage about coronavirus has been exaggerated (33%) than underestimated (18%). 40% feel the coverage has been about right, and 10% don’t know (Q17).
Overall Differences
- Generally, there were differences in willingness to engage in behavior that might expose one to COVID-19, willingness to accept vaccination, and perception of COVID-19 news coverage based on area of the state, political party, and age group.
The research was completed as a community service by DHM Research in partnership with the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center. Both organizations are independent and non-partisan. DHM Research is a Certified B Corporation (www.dhmresearch.com) and OVBC is an Oregon charitable nonprofit corporation (www.oregonvbc.org).
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Analysis and Reporting by: Ari Wubbold