Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: May 6, 2020
Date Accepted: Jul 26, 2020
Date Submitted to PubMed: Aug 25, 2020
Public’s Perceptions and Knowledge Towards the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): A Social Media Cross-Sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Social media represents a rapid and impactful way to obtain and deliver information in the 21st century.
Objective:
The aim was to rapidly obtain information regarding public’s perceptions, knowledge and behaviors towards the novel 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19), in order to identify key areas of public education.
Methods:
In a cross-sectional study design, a survey weblink was posted on the social media platforms: Instagram, Twitter and WhatsApp, by the study investigators. Participants included all users of social media, aged 18-years and above. The main outcomes measured were knowledge of symptoms of COVID-19, protective measures against COVID-19 and source(s) of information about COVID-19. Sub-group analyses were conducted examining effects of age, gender, underlying illness and working/studying in healthcare on likelihood of acquiring COVID-19 and likelihood of vaccinating against COVID-19.
Results:
A total of 5,677 subjects completed the survey in 1 week. “Fever or chills” (87.6%) and “shortness of breath” (82.7%) were identified as main symptoms of COVID-19. Washing/sanitizing hands (87.9%) and avoiding public places/crowds (85.7%) were identified as most frequent protective measures against COVID-19. Social media was the most utilized source of COVID-19 information (83.5%), followed by the World Health Organization (50.1%). Subgroup analysis revealed younger subjects (age <35 years), males and those working/studying in healthcare had reported higher perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19, whereas older subjects, females and those in non-healthcare areas reported lower perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19. Similar trends were observed for vaccination against COVID-19; with older subjects, females and those in non-healthcare areas reporting lower likelihood of vaccinating against COVID-19.
Conclusions:
Our results are indicative of a relatively well-informed cohort, implementing appropriate protective measures. However, key knowledge deficiencies exist with regards to vaccination against COVID-19. Future efforts should aim at correcting those.
Citation
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