The geography of COVID-19 misinformation: using geospatial maps for targeted messaging to combat misinformation on COVID-19, South Africa

BMC Research Notes

Tanyaradzwa Dube¹  Nasiphi Ntombela¹  Dakalo Tshisebe¹  Tshegang Nchachi¹  Tonderai Mabuto¹  Geoffrey K. Setswe²  Candice M. Chetty-Makkan³  Lucy Chimoyi⁴ 

[1] The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa;The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa;Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa;The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa;Health Economics and Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa;Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa;The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa;The Aurum Institute, Aurum House, The Ridge, 29 Queens Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa;

关键词: Targeted interventions;    COVID-19;    Misinformation;    Geospatial;    South Africa;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13104-021-05886-0

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

ObjectiveThe proliferation of false information on COVID-19 mostly through social media is adversely affecting control efforts. The objective of this study was to identify areas where targeted effective messaging can be useful in demystifying misinformation against COVID-19.ResultsThe study showed high levels of misinformation on COVID-19 in the study area [mean score 2.71; standard deviation (SD) 1.5]. The highest levels of misinformation were observed in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district, North West province (mean score: 3.84; SD: 2.1) and Sedibeng district, Gauteng province (mean score: 3.56; SD 1.7). Higher levels of misinformation were reported by those aged 18–24 years (mean score: 3.48; SD: 1.8), and men (mean score: 2.73; SD: 1.8). Across the two provinces, we identified geospatial hot and coldspots of misinformation highlighting the need to implement point of care strategies such as targeted messaging. Findings showed the need for targeted interventions to young people, students, those with low levels of education and the self-employed in the two districts more importantly, as South Africa expands its nationwide vaccination roll-out.

【 授权许可】

CC BY