American concern over coronavirus on the rise once again
Washington, DC, August 28, 2020 — The latest Ipsos What Worries the World study shows that concerns over the coronavirus/COVID-19 are on the rise in the United States, at a time when Americans remain largely pessimistic about the direction of the country.
Topline Findings
Coronavirus remains Americans’ top concerns (55%), up five points from July (50%). Since it was first asked, five months ago, coronavirus has held as Americans top worry by at least 14 points each month. In July, we observed a rise in concerns over crime and violence which has rescinded slightly in August (down 5 points). Despite this decline, Crime and violence remains the second biggest concern for Americans, along with unemployment (29% each). Healthcare (25%) and financial/political corruption (24%) round out the top five U.S. concerns this month.
Worry over the rise of extremism, remains statistically unchanged this month (21%), after a 13-point increase from June to July (the largest growth observed that month).
- The U.S. continues to lead all countries surveyed in the level of worry over the rise of extremism (21%) and moral decline (22%).
Seventy-four percent of Americans now believe the country is off on the wrong track, steady from last month (72%) but up nine points from June. A quarter of Americans (26%) think the country is heading in the right direction.
- Americans continue to be more pessimistic than the global average. Globally, 61% say things in their country are off on the wrong track, unchanged from July.
This is the fifth month that Ipsos has included coronavirus/COVID-19 in the list of issues covered in its monthly What Worries the World survey. The latest wave was conducted between July 24 and August 7, 2020, among 19,016 adults aged under 74 from 27 countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States of America.
Among the 27 countries surveyed, coronavirus/COVID-19 is mentioned as the single top concern in 14 of 27 countries, up from 11 countries in July. This number is more in line with June (13 countries) but significantly below the number recorded in April (25 countries). Concern over coronavirus/COVID-19 is currently highest in Japan (70%), Australia (67%), Malaysia (61%), and Spain (60%).
Top worries globally are coronavirus/COVID-19 (46%), unemployment (40%), poverty & social inequality (30%), financial/political corruption (27%), and crime & violence (24%); this order is unchanged from July.
About the Study
The survey is conducted monthly in 27 countries around the world via the Ipsos Online Panel. The countries included are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States of America.
An international sample of 19,016 adults aged 18-74 in the US, South Africa, Turkey, Israel, and Canada, and aged 16-74 in all other countries, were interviewed between July 24th, 2020, and August 7th, 2020. Approximately 1000+ individuals participated on a country by country basis via the Ipsos Online Panel.
A survey with an unweighted probability sample of this size would have an estimated margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points for a sample of 1,000 and an estimated margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points for a 500 sample 19 times out of 20.
In 17 of the 27 countries surveyed internet penetration is sufficiently high to think of the samples as representative of the wider population within the age ranges covered: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Great Britain, and the United States.
Brazil, Chile, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Turkey have lower levels of internet penetration and so these samples should not be considered nationally representative, and instead be considered to represent a more affluent, connected population. These are still a vital social group to understand in these countries, representing an important and emerging middle class.
Weighting has been employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample’s composition reflects that of the adult population according to the most recent country census data.
The publication of these findings abides by local rules and regulations.
For more information on this news release, please contact:
Chris Jackson
Senior Vice President, US
Public Affairs
+1 202 420 2025
[email protected]
Kate Silverstein
Media Relations Specialist, US
Public Affairs
+1 718 755 8829
[email protected]
About Ipsos
Ipsos is the world’s third largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people.
Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. We serve more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.
Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).
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