Exploring Public Knowledge, Practices, and Understanding of COVID-19 Science Communication in Bangladesh

This study explores public knowledge, practices, and understanding of COVID-19 science communication messages in Bangladesh, based on a survey of 1,600 respondents. The findings indicate that while knowledge and behavioral compliance with public health measures—such as mask-wearing, handwashing, social distancing, isolation, quarantine, and lockdown—were generally high, a significant portion of the population faced difficulties in fully understanding the meaning of scientific messages behind these practices. For example, although 90% of respondents wore masks and 91.56% practised proper handwashing, over 80% reported difficulties in understanding the associated health messages. This gap between practice and understanding highlights critical issues in the design and delivery of science communication during the pandemic. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive, accessible, and locally relevant health messages that resonate with diverse segments of the population. It also calls for more strategic use of mass media, interpersonal communication, and public engagement to improve comprehension and trust. The findings advocate for science communication to be treated as a central component of public health policy and emergency response planning in Bangladesh.