Award Abstract #2030653

RAPID: Survey Study of COVID-19 Responses in Southeast Alaska

NSF Directorate:
GEO - Directorate for Geosciences
NSF Division:

Office of Polar Programs

Initial Amendment Date:

Latest Amendment Date:

Award Number:

2030653

Award Instrument:

Grant

Program Manager:

Erica Hill

Start Date:

End Date:

Awarded Amount to Date:

$430,839.00

Investigator(s):

Lisa J Busch [email protected] (Principal Investigator)
Ryan Brown (Co-Principal Investigator)
Ron A Heintz (Co-Principal Investigator)

Sponsor:

SITKA SOUND SCIENCE CENTER INC
834 LINCOLN ST #200
SITKA AK 998351373

NSF Program:
ASSP-Arctic Social Science
Program Reference Code(s):
096Z
1079
5221
9150
Program Element Code(s):
5221
Abstract:

This time-sensitive RAPID project focuses on public risk responses to the COVID-19 crisis in rural Alaska. The project involves a two-part attitudinal and behavioral survey in Southeast Alaska rural communities, which were disproportionately affected by the 1918 flu pandemic. The initial survey will be conducted immediately to assess current attitudes and behaviors relative to COVID-19. A follow-up survey conducted six months later will document what, if any, changes in public attitudes and behaviors have occurred. This research leverages the current crisis to provide insight on the differences in COVID-19 risk perception and behavior between Alaska Natives and rural Alaskans and Americans in the Lower 48 states. The work will contribute to better understanding how geographic variation and isolation impact pandemic attitudes and behaviors and to state and national preparedness to future public health crises.

The research leverages existing partnerships in communities to maximize participation and engagement. Two sets of surveys of rural residents of Southeast Alaska are supplemented with qualitative interviews that contextualize COVID-19 perceptions and behaviors. Broader impacts are ensured through community engagement activities involving existing local partners and include participation of researchers in the award-winning “Scientists in Schools” program, as well as public presentations and public radio appearances. Formal dissemination of results will occur through scholarly articles, reports, and professional presentations and through social media outlets.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.