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Assessment of COVID-19 information overload among the general public

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 20:42 authored by Mohammed, M, Shaaban, A, Jatau Abubakar, I, Yunusa, I, Isa, AM, Wada, AS, Kehinde ObamiroKehinde Obamiro, Zainal, H, Ibrahim, B
Background A relentless flood of information accompanied the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. False news, conspiracy theories, and magical cures were shared with the general public at an alarming rate, which may lead to increased anxiety and stress levels and associated debilitating consequences.

Objectives To measure the level of COVID-19 information overload (COVIO) and assess the association between COVIO and sociodemographic characteristics among the general public.

Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between April and May 2020 using a modified Cancer Information Overload scale. The survey was developed and posted on four social media platforms. The data were only collected from those who consented to participate. COVIO score was classified into high vs. low using the asymmetrical distribution as a guide and conducted a binary logistic regression to examine the factors associated with COVIO.

Results A total number of 584 respondents participated in this study. The mean COVIO score of the respondents was 19.4 (± 4.0). Sources and frequency of receiving COVID-19 information were found to be significant predictors of COVIO. Participants who received information via the broadcast media were more likely to have high COVIO than those who received information via the social media (adjusted odds ratio ([aOR],14.599; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.608–132.559; p = 0.017). Also, participants who received COVID-19 information every minute (aOR, 3.892; 95% CI, 1.124–13.480; p = 0.032) were more likely to have high COVIO than those who received information every week.

Conclusion The source of information and the frequency of receiving COVID-19 information were significantly associated with COVIO. The COVID-19 information is often conflicting, leading to confusion and overload of information in the general population. This can have unfavorable effects on the measures taken to control the transmission and management of COVID-19 infection.

History

Publication title

Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities

Pagination

1-9

ISSN

2197-3792

Department/School

School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Publisher

Springer International Publishing

Place of publication

Switzerland

Rights statement

Copyright 2021 W. Montague Cobb-NMA Health Institute

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the health sciences

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