Misinformation about COVID-19: evidence for differential latent profiles and a strong association with trust in science.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been mirrored by diffusion of misinformation and conspiracy theories about its origins (such as 5G cellular networks) and the motivations of preventive measures like vaccination, social distancing, and face masks (for example, as a political ploy). These beliefs have resulted in substantive, negative real-world outcomes but remain largely unstudied.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, online survey (n=660). Participants were asked about the believability of five selected COVID-19 narratives, their political orientation, their religious commitment, and their trust in science (a 21-item scale), along with sociodemographic items. Data were assessed descriptively, then latent profile analysis was used to ide

SUBMITTER: Agley J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7789893 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature