Authors

• Statistics Finland
• Prime Minister's Office

Keywords

COVID-19, bacterial and virus diseases, communications, dissemination of information, emotional states, health, income, international conflict, regulations, trust, war, well-being (health)

Abstract

The Citizens' Pulse surveys examine Finnish attitudes and opinions in the context of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Main themes in the surveys include the activity and communication of authorities, compliance with regulations, future expectations, trust, and the respondents' own state of mind. This collection round also included questions about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and preparing for crisis situations.

The seventh collection round of 2022 surveyed the respondents' trust in various institutions (e.g. the Finnish Government, the health care system, the media, and the Finnish Defence Forces), as well as other people. The respondents' state of mind was examined with questions on various matters relating to health, well-being, and their situation in life. The questions covered, for example, the respondents' own mental well-being, whether they were worried about the adequacy of their income, their confidence in their future, experiences of stress and togetherness, and whether they felt their lives were meaningful. Additionally, the respondents were asked to evaluate whether an atmosphere of crisis prevailed amongst Finns and how Finland's application to join NATO had impacted the respondents' sense of safety.

The next set of questions focused on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and crisis situations in general. In relation to the Ukraine crisis, the respondents were, for example, asked about their sense of security, worries caused by the crisis and its possible impact on the Finnish economy and their own financial situation, and whether they were concerned that the war might expand beyond Ukraine. Opinions on the economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the EU, how well authorities had been prepared for crises like the crisis in Ukraine, and whether the uncertainty caused by the Ukraine crisis had impacted the respondents' consumer behaviour were charted. The respondents were also asked whether they had noticed any cyber security issues or instances where purposefully misleading claims based on misinformation were spread on social media or online over the previous month.

On the topics of communication and dissemination of information, the respondents' opinions on the availability, reliability and accuracy of the information provided by Finnish authorities on the coronavirus crisis were charted. Compliance with coronavirus restrictions was examined by asking the respondents whether they had followed the restrictions and recommendations set by authorities for preventing transmission of the virus, including maintaining safe distances, wearing a face mask, and minimising contact with other people. The respondents were also asked how necessary they felt it was to follow measures such as wearing a mask and maintaining safe distances after receiving two or three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, age group, NUTS3 region of residence, highest level of education, household composition, and perceived financial situation of household.