Culture Measure, Twitter Sentiment and COVID-19 Statistics: A Regression Analysis (Preprint)

Abstract

Hofstede’s Culture Dimensions (HCD) are the most prevalent metrics with which social scientists distinguish cultural differences between countries. In this study, we explore whether HCD and COVID-19 statistics are related with statistical significance. More specifically, we investigate how a country’s long-term orientation (LTO), indulgence (IVR), masculinity (MAS), power distance index (PDI), Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) and Individualism (IDV) may influence its COVID-19 infection rate and death rate, with consideration of various social, economic, and environmental factors. In addition, it is worth noting that Twitter Economic Uncertainty Index (TEU) is relevant to COVID-19 death rate in short run. The USA based Twitter Economic Uncertainty Index (TEU-USA) is relevant to COVID-19 death rate in short run (up to 3 months). By examining another similar index TMU-USA, it comes to the same conclusion.

The paper explores whether HCD, TEU-USA and COVID-19 statistics are related with statistical significance.

We used multiple linear regressions and time series techniques to interpret statistical and economic significances.

Based on the multiple linear regression results from the data of 73 available countries, PDI and MAS both are significantly associated with the infection rate (P value= .025, P value= .000), while IVR and LTO show statistical significance to the death rate (P value= .028, P value= .060). These results differ to some extent from some earlier studies. However, the results still have implications for the design of public health campaigns on preventing COVID-19 infection and compliance with vaccination campaigns. Some practical strategies have been proposed for public health officials to help mitigate COVID 19 spread. Conclusions These results have implications for the design of public health campaigns on preventing COVID-19 infection and compliance with vaccination campaigns. Some practical strategies have been proposed for public health officials to help mitigate COVID 19 spread.

Some Hofstede measures are significant to COVID-19 statistics. Indulgence and long term orientation have negative significance to COVID-19 death rate, while power distance index and masculinity have negative significance to COVID-19 infection rate. Twitter Economic Uncertainty Index can predict short term COVID-19 death rate.