Information sources, trust and public health sector communication on the Covid-19 pandemic: a study on the Italian citizens’ perception

Introduction: In the context of infodemic disorder Covid-19 pandemic is a health emergency which also became a communication one. Objectives: The research purpose was to understand how Italians have informed themselves about the pandemic, which sources they have mainly used, and their assessments of public health sector communication at a national and local level. Methodology: The quantitative research consists of a survey conducted through telephone interviews (CATI+CAMI techniques) with a structured questionnaire to a sample of Italians in June and July 2021. Results: On average, watching TV, talking with friends, relatives, or acquaintances, and consulting the Internet are the leading ways of gaining information on the pandemic. Official online sources of information are the most used, followed by institutional websites which played a leading role during the pandemic: regions, the Ministry of Health, and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. 34% of respondents claim to consult official social media pages or messaging apps of national or local authorities. Conclusions: In the pandemic communication, Italians recognize the crucial role of national and local authorities and online information media systems, but diverse challenges are open for the future of public health sector communication.