The IDEA Model as an Effective Instructional Crisis and Risk Communication Framework to Analyze the CDC’s Messages Aimed at Hispanics in the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

This study explores, through a thematic analysis, the messages published in Spanish in the Holiday Celebrations and Small Gatherings [Celebraciones y pequeñas reuniones por las fiestas] section of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website (CDC). To analyze these messages, this study used the IDEA model. The conclusions suggest CDC prioritized internalization and action messages over distribution and explanation in this section of the website. The conclusions also show that although the CDC incorporated all elements of the IDEA model in the messages, the information shared was a mere translation of the English version of the Holiday Celebrations and Small Gatherings section of the website, showing thus, that the messages did not seem to be created to appeal to Hispanics intentionally. Suggestions are offered to improve the communications delivered by the CDC to the Hispanic community in the United States.