ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, information sources such as public officials, national/international media, social media, public health agencies, college/university officials, etc., played a vital role in adherence to safety measures, including hygiene practices, social distancing, and mask-wearing. We analyze the role of trusted sources of information in adherence to safety measures and explore potential disparities among US college students during the pandemic. METHODS: We analyze Healthy Minds Study (HMS) 2020-2021 COVID Module data and utilize multivariable logistic regressions controlling for sociodemographic and COVID-19-related factors. Subgroup analyses were conducted by gender, citizenship status, race, and educational level. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in adherence to safety measures when information was received from different sources. Demographic subgroups within the college student population depended on different sources of COVID-19-related information. Adherence to COVID-19-related safety measures also differed by demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION: This analysis supports the necessity for targeted health-related messaging among US college students.