COVID-19 Misinformation Trends in Australia: Prospective Longitudinal National Survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Misinformation about COVID-19 is common and has been spreading rapidly across the globe through social media platforms and other information systems. Understanding what the public knows about COVID-19 and identifying beliefs based on misinformation can help shape effective public health communications to ensure efforts to reduce viral transmission are not undermined.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 misinformation in Australia and their changes over time.

Methods

This prospective, longitudinal national survey was completed by adults (18 years and above) across April (n=4362), May (n=1882), and June (n=1369) 2020.

Results

Stronger agreement with misinformation was associated with younger age

SUBMITTER: Pickles K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7800906 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature