Associations Between COVID-19 Misinformation Exposure and Belief With COVID-19 Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors: Cross-Sectional Online Study

Background Online misinformation proliferation during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major public health concern. Objective We aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 misinformation exposure and beliefs, associated factors including psychological distress with misinformation exposure, and the associations between COVID-19 knowledge and number of preventive behaviors. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 1049 South Korean adults in April 2020. Respondents were asked about receiving COVID-19 misinformation using 12 items identified by the World Health Organization. Logistic regression was used to compute adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for the association of receiving misinformation with sociodemographic characteristics, source of information, COVID-19 misinformation belief, and psychological distress, as well as the associations of COVID-19 misinformation belief with COVID-19 knowledge and the number of COVID-19 preventive behaviors among those who received the misinformation. All data were weighted according to the Korea census data in 2018. Results Overall, 67.78% (n=711) of respondents reported exposure to at least one COVID-19 misinformation item. Misinformation exposure was associated with younger age, higher education levels, and lower income. Sources of information associated with misinformation exposure were social networking services (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.20-2.32) and instant messaging (aOR 1.79, 1.27-2.51). Misinformation exposure was also associated with psychological distress including anxiety (aOR 1.80, 1.24-2.61), depressive (aOR 1.47, 1.09-2.00), and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (aOR 1.97, 1.42-2.73), as well as misinformation belief (aOR 7.33, 5.17-10.38). Misinformation belief was associated with poorer COVID-19 knowledge (high: aOR 0.62, 0.45-0.84) and fewer preventive behaviors (≥7 behaviors: aOR 0.54, 0.39-0.74). Conclusions COVID-19 misinformation exposure was associated with misinformation belief, while misinformation belief was associated with fewer preventive behaviors. Given the potential of misinformation to undermine global efforts in COVID-19 disease control, up-to-date public health strategies are required to counter the proliferation of misinformation.

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Associations Between COVID-19 Misinformation Exposure and Belief With COVID-19 Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors: Cross-Sectional Online Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.22205 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jung Jae Lee ◽

Kyung-Ah Kang ◽

Man Ping Wang ◽

Sheng Zhi Zhao ◽

Janet Yuen Ha Wong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Census Data ◽

Instant Messaging ◽

World Health ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND Online misinformation proliferation during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major public health concern. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 misinformation exposure and beliefs, associated factors including psychological distress with misinformation exposure, and the associations between COVID-19 knowledge and number of preventive behaviors. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 1049 South Korean adults in April 2020. Respondents were asked about receiving COVID-19 misinformation using 12 items identified by the World Health Organization. Logistic regression was used to compute adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for the association of receiving misinformation with sociodemographic characteristics, source of information, COVID-19 misinformation belief, and psychological distress, as well as the associations of COVID-19 misinformation belief with COVID-19 knowledge and the number of COVID-19 preventive behaviors among those who received the misinformation. All data were weighted according to the Korea census data in 2018. RESULTS Overall, 67.78% (n=711) of respondents reported exposure to at least one COVID-19 misinformation item. Misinformation exposure was associated with younger age, higher education levels, and lower income. Sources of information associated with misinformation exposure were social networking services (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.20-2.32) and instant messaging (aOR 1.79, 1.27-2.51). Misinformation exposure was also associated with psychological distress including anxiety (aOR 1.80, 1.24-2.61), depressive (aOR 1.47, 1.09-2.00), and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (aOR 1.97, 1.42-2.73), as well as misinformation belief (aOR 7.33, 5.17-10.38). Misinformation belief was associated with poorer COVID-19 knowledge (high: aOR 0.62, 0.45-0.84) and fewer preventive behaviors (≥7 behaviors: aOR 0.54, 0.39-0.74). CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 misinformation exposure was associated with misinformation belief, while misinformation belief was associated with fewer preventive behaviors. Given the potential of misinformation to undermine global efforts in COVID-19 disease control, up-to-date public health strategies are required to counter the proliferation of misinformation.

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Examining Australian’s beliefs, misconceptions and sources of information for COVID-19: a national online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043421 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e043421

Author(s):

Rae Thomas ◽

Hannah Greenwood ◽

Zoe A Michaleff ◽

Eman Abukmail ◽

Tammy C Hoffmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

National Sample ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Commercial Television ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

And Gender ◽

Public Health Strategies

ObjectivePublic cooperation to practise preventive health behaviours is essential to manage the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We aimed to investigate beliefs about COVID-19 diagnosis, transmission and prevention that have the potential to impact the uptake of recommended public health strategies.DesignAn online cross-sectional survey.ParticipantsA national sample of 1500 Australian adults with representative quotas for age and gender provided by an online panel provider.Main outcome measureProportion of participants with correct/incorrect knowledge of COVID-19 preventive behaviours and reasons for misconceptions.ResultsOf the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 did not qualify, 13 declined and 1500 participated in the survey (response rate 83%). Most participants correctly identified ‘washing your hands regularly with soap and water’ (92%) and ‘staying at least 1.5 m away from others’ (90%) could help prevent COVID-19. Over 40% (incorrectly) considered wearing gloves outside of the home would prevent them from contracting COVID-19. Views about face masks were divided. Only 66% of participants correctly identified that ‘regular use of antibiotics’ would not prevent COVID-19.Most participants (90%) identified ‘fever, fatigue and cough’ as indicators of COVID-19. However, 42% of participants thought that being unable to ‘hold your breath for 10 s without coughing’ was an indicator of having the virus. The most frequently reported sources of COVID-19 information were commercial television channels (56%), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (43%) and the Australian Government COVID-19 information app (31%).ConclusionsPublic messaging about hand hygiene and physical distancing to prevent transmission appears to have been effective. However, there are clear, identified barriers for many individuals that have the potential to impede uptake or maintenance of these behaviours in the long term. We need to develop public health messages that harness these barriers to improve future cooperation. Ensuring adherence to these interventions is critical.

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COVID-19 Information Sources and the Relationship with Attitudes in Battling the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among the Malaysian Public (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.23922 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Emma Mohamad ◽

Jen Sern Tham ◽

Suffian Hadi Ayub ◽

Mohammad Rezal Hamzah ◽

Hasrul Hashim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Information Source ◽

World Health ◽

Public Confidence ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Ministry Of Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Crisis ◽

The Relationship

BACKGROUND There are multiple media platforms and various resources available on COVID-19. Identifying people’s preferences is key to building public confidence and planning for successful national health intervention strategies. OBJECTIVE This study examines the sources of information for COVID-19 used by the Malaysian public and identifies those that are associated with building public confidence as well as positive perceptions toward the Malaysian government. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey of 4,850 Malaysian residents was conducted. Participant demographics, media use, information source, and attitudes surrounding COVID-19 were assessed. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to gauge the relationship between demographics, information source and attitudes toward COVID-19. RESULTS Malaysians primarily utilized television and Internet news portals for information on COVID-19. The Malaysian Ministry of Health was the most preferred source of COVID-19 information. Respondents who referred to the Ministry of Health, television and the Malaysian National Security Council had greater odds in believing that the country could win the battle against COVID-19 and that the government was handling the health crisis well. Those who used the World Health Organization, friends, YouTube, family and radio as sources of information were less likely to harbor confidence and positive belief toward combating COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Managing information and sustaining public confidence is important in a pandemic. Health authorities should pay considerable attention to the use of appropriate media channels and sources to allow for more effective dissemination of critical information to the public. CLINICALTRIAL

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Conspiracy Theories, Psychological Distress, and Sympathy for Violent Radicalization in Young Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18157846 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 7846

Author(s):

Anna Levinsson ◽

Diana Miconi ◽

Zhiyin Li ◽

Rochelle L. Frounfelker ◽

Cécile Rousseau

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Economic Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Significant Interaction Effect ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Conspiracy Theories ◽

Public Health Challenge

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread uncertainty, promoted psychological distress, and fueled interpersonal conflict. The concomitant upsurge in endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories is worrisome because they are associated with both non-adherence to public health guidelines and intention to commit violence. This study investigates associations between endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories, support for violent radicalization (VR) and psychological distress among young adults in Canada. We hypothesized that (a) endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories is positively associated with support for VR, and (b) psychological distress modifies the relationship between COVID-19 conspiracy theories and support for VR. A total of 6003 participants aged 18–35 years old residing in four major Canadian cities completed an online survey between 16 October 2020 and 17 November 2020, that included questions about endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories, support for VR, psychological distress, and socio-economic status. Endorsement of conspiracy theories was associated with support for VR in multivariate regression (β = 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–0.96). There is a significant interaction effect between endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories and psychological distress (β = 0.49, 95% CI 0.40–0.57). The magnitude of the association was stronger in individuals reporting high psychological distress (β = 1.36, 95% CI 1.26–1.46) compared to those reporting low psychological distress (β = 0.47, 95% CI 0.35–0.59). The association between endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories and VR represents a public health challenge requiring immediate attention. The interaction with psychological distress suggests that policy efforts should combine communication and psychological strategies to mitigate the legitimation of violence.

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AB0902-HPR COVID-19 PANDEMIC: KNOWLEDGE, BELIEVES AND FEARS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.4200 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1474.3-1474

Author(s):

T. El Joumani ◽

H. Rkain ◽

T. Fatima Zahrae ◽

H. Kenza ◽

A. Radouan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

General Population ◽

Rheumatic Diseases ◽

Online Survey ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

Objectives:To investigate the knowledge, believes, and fears of patients with Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases (CIRD) in Morocco regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.Methods:COVID-19 related knowledge was evaluated through following items: clinical presentations, age of infection, transmission routes, self-reported preventive behaviors, patient’s approach in case of suspicion of being infected by COVID-19 and vaccination. We also investigated the source of the patients’ information.Believes and fears of patients regarding COVID-19 was assessed using 2 items that explored participant’s perception of the degree of threat to public health and their individual infection susceptibility compared to the general population.Results:A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with rheumatic diseases using a questionnaire providing information on patients and disease characteristics.350 patients had participated in this online survey (mean age of 46,1 ± 14,4, 68% were women, 15.7% were illiterate, 45.7% were unemployed, rural residence in 11.7% of cases).The correct answer rates of the 6 questions of the knowledge section of the questionnaire were 53.4-100% with an average mean of 90.7%. The mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 5,43/6 (SD:0,48). Most participants (96.6%) correctly identified the age group concerned about Covid-19 infection. Remarkably 92.3% of the participants recognized 3 clinical features when 97.7% and 72.3% of the sample recognized perfectly modes of transmission and disease prevention measures. 87.4% of patients knew the recommended course of action to do if they have fever or cough and have recently been in contact with an infected patient. 64% of the study population thought that there was no vaccine available yet.The sources of information on COVID-19 were in descending order: rheumatologist (56.6 %), personal research (on the internet or other) (43.4%), video broadcasts on national television channels (28%), other Awareness Video (24.2%).Regarding the patients believes and fears toward COVID-19, 81.7% of patients believed that the pandemic is a serious threat for the public health and 80.6% thought that their CIRD makes them more exposed to the risk of contamination than general population.Conclusion:The results of this survey show a high prevalence of patient concern about COVID-19. However, the majority of patients responded correctly on the mode of transmission and the means of protection for the COVID-19 infection. Those results could be explained by enormous awareness-raising efforts carried out by our differents departments of our government.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Psychological Distress among Bangladeshi Adults during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Life Sciences ◽

10.31901/24566306.2021/13.1-2.257 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1-2) ◽

Author(s):

Md. Golam Hossain

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Large Family ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

World Community

The world community including Bangladesh is doing its best to control COVID-19 but its effects on mental health are not being adequately addressed. This study aimed to investigate the psychological distress of COVID-19 among Bangladeshi adults. This cross-sectional study is conducted from 10 to 20 April, 2020, through an online survey and 320 samples were selected by simple random sampling. The frequency distribution revealed that 23.8 percent, 30.9 percent and 45.3 percent of the respondents were suffering from low, moderate, and high levels of psychological distress. Male, professions other than service and housewife, and large family size were the most influential predictors of psychological distress. This study revealed that the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was remarkably significant in Bangladesh and it might emerge as a serious public health concern. The country should prepare and realize guidelines for psychological crisis management in this regard.

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Relationship Between COVID-19 Information Sources and Attitudes in Battling the Pandemic Among the Malaysian Public: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/23922 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. e23922

Author(s):

Emma Mohamad ◽

Jen Sern Tham ◽

Suffian Hadi Ayub ◽

Mohammad Rezal Hamzah ◽

Hasrul Hashim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Information Sources ◽

World Health ◽

Survey Study ◽

Public Confidence ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Ministry Of Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Crisis

Background There are multiple media platforms and various resources available for information on COVID-19. Identifying people’s preferences is key to building public confidence and planning for successful national health intervention strategies. Objective This study examines the sources of information for COVID-19 used by the Malaysian public and identifies those that are associated with building public confidence and positive perceptions toward the Malaysian government. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of 4850 Malaysian residents was conducted. Participant demographics, media use, information sources, and attitudes surrounding COVID-19 were assessed. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to gauge the relationship between demographics, information sources, and attitudes toward COVID-19. Results Malaysians primarily used television and internet news portals to access information on COVID-19. The Malaysian Ministry of Health was the most preferred source of COVID-19 information. Respondents who referred to the Ministry of Health, television, and the Malaysian National Security Council for information were more likely to believe that the country could win the battle against COVID-19 and that the government was handling the health crisis well compared to those who referred to other information sources. Those who used the World Health Organization, friends, YouTube, family, and radio as sources of information were less likely to harbor confidence and positive belief toward combating COVID-19. Conclusions Managing information and sustaining public confidence is important during a pandemic. Health authorities should pay considerable attention to the use of appropriate media channels and sources to allow for more effective dissemination of critical information to the public.

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Public Perceptions, Individual Characteristics, and Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19 in Six Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-60005/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ryosuke Fujii ◽

Kensuke Suzuki ◽

Junichiro Niimi

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Personal Characteristics ◽

Public Perceptions ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Living Environment ◽

Psychological Status ◽

Protective Behaviors ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Public perceptions and personal characteristics are heterogeneous between countries and subgroups, which may have different impacts on health-protective behaviors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To assess whether self-reported perceptions of COVID-19 and personal characteristics are associated with protective behaviors among general adults and to compare patterns in six different countries.Methods: We conducted this study based on a cross-sectional online survey between 15 and 23 April 2020 across six countries (China, Italy, Japan, Korea, UK, and US). A total of 5,945 adults aged 18 years or older was eligible for our analysis. Logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between personal characteristics, public perception for COVID-19, and three recommended behaviors (wearing a mask, handwashing, and avoiding social gatherings).Results: In most countries, the participants who perceived the preventive behaviors as being extremely effective to curtail the pandemic were more likely to take each preventive behavior. The associations between personal characteristics, living environment, psychological status, and preventive behaviors varied across different countries. Individuals who changed their behavior because of recommendations from doctors/public health officials were more likely to take preventive behaviors in many countries.Conclusions: These findings suggest that higher perceived effectiveness may be a common factor to encourage preventive behaviors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These results may provide a better understanding of the homogeneity and heterogeneity of factors related to preventive behaviors and improve public health policies in various countries and groups.

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Psychological distress and its associated factors in health workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal: An online survey

Journal of Gandaki Medical College-Nepal ◽

10.3126/jgmcn.v14i2.37158 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 146-152

Author(s):

Nirmala Shrestha ◽

Nisha Gurung ◽

Sanju Banstola ◽

Saurabh Kishor Sah ◽

Sharad Koirala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Workers ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ethical Approval ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale

Introduction: Psychological distress among healthcare workers amidst COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a serious health problem. Understanding its magnitude is crucial to guide policies and interventions to improve their psychological wellbeing. This study assessed the psychological distress and its associated factors among health care workers in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among 427 health workers currently working in Nepal from April 25 to June 10, 2020. Psychological distress was measured using “The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale” (K10). Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were computed at a 5% level of significance. Ethical approval was taken from Nepal Health Research Council. Results: A total of 427 healthcare workers participated in the study. Out of the total participants, 50.4% were males. Nearly half of the participants were medical doctors (48%) followed by nurses (22.2%), health assistants (12.2%) and 61% were non-government employees. The healthcare workers who experienced symptoms of psychological distress were 28.9%. Out of 123 respondents who had symptoms of psychological distress, 19% had mild, 7.3% had moderate and 2.6% had severe psychological distress. Female healthcare workers were more likely to have psychological distress than males [AOR: 1.75, CI: 1.05-2.92]. Conclusions: Psychological distress in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of serious health concern. This issue demands urgent comprehensive intervention embracing the provision of a supportive environment and protective equipment, screening psychological outcomes and psychological counseling especially targeting female healthcare workers.

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Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24776 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽

Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽

Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽

Thanh Vo Van ◽

Toi Phung Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

General Population ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Survey Study ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

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