2009-09-02-皮尤-Public_Aware_of_Key_Swine_Flu_Facts_13页_62kb

Public Focus on Health Care Debate

• The health care debate was the top story last week, closely followed by the economy and the death of Ted Kennedy, according to the News Interest Index survey.

Public Knowledge of Swine Flu

• Large majorities correctly answered key questions about swine flu infection risks and vaccines: 69% knew most cases are not life-threatening, 67% knew children are most at risk, and 71% knew the swine flu vaccine is in addition to seasonal flu shot.

Public Worry and News Interest

• Swine flu worries increased compared to May: 45% very or somewhat worried about exposure.
• Media coverage of swine flu was lower than in May, accounting for only 3% of news coverage.
• Identication with swine flu grew less among the public than during the spring outbreak.

Confidence in Handling Swine Flu

• Two-thirds (66%) were confident in government's ability to handle swine flu, with higher confidence among Democrats.
• Confidence in media's coverage was lower, with just 53% saying they were somewhat confident or very confident.

Top News Stories

• Top stories identified by the public: Health Care Reform (40% followed very closely), Economy (45%), Death of Ted Kennedy (28%).
• Media's top story: Death of Ted Kennedy covered 27% of newshole.