Communication of COVID-19 Misinformation on Social Media by Physicians in the US.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Approximately one-third of the more than 1 100 000 confirmed COVID-19-related deaths as of January 18, 2023, were considered preventable if public health recommendations had been followed. Physicians' propagation of misinformation about COVID-19 on social media and other internet-based platforms has raised professional, public health, and ethical concerns.

Objective

To characterize (1) the types of COVID-19 misinformation propagated by US physicians after vaccines became available, (2) the online platforms used, and (3) the characteristics of the physicians spreading misinformation.

Design, setting, and participants

Using US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection during the study window t

SUBMITTER: Sule S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10427940 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature