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Nyeko Oloya J, Onira Alema N, Okot C, Olal E, Nzirakaindi Ikoona E, Wathum Drinkwater Oyat F, Steven B, Omoya Ochula D, Odong Olwedo P, Pebalo Pebolo F, Okot Atim P, Smart Okot G, Nantale R, Aloyo J, Lagoro Kitara D. Trusted sources of information on COVID-19 vaccine in Uganda. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2024; 24:132. [PMID: 38783293 PMCID: PMC11112838 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02536-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted communities worldwide, particularly in developing countries. To successfully control the pandemic, correct information and more than 80% vaccine coverage in a population were required. However, misinformation and disinformation could impact this, thus increasing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in communities. Several studies observed the effect of misinformation and disinformation on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and other responses to the pandemic in the African continent. Thus, the most trusted sources of information on COVID-19 vaccines are critical for the successful management and control of the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the most trusted sources of information on COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic in Uganda. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study on 587 adult population members in northern Uganda. Single-stage stratified and systematic sampling methods were used to select participants from northern Uganda. An interviewer-administered questionnaire with an internal validity of Cronbach's α = 0.72 was used for data collection. An Institution Review Board (IRB) approved this study and Stata version 18 was used for data analysis. A Pearson Chi-square (χ2) analysis was conducted to assess associations between trusted sources of COVID-19 vaccine information and selected independent variables. Fisher's exact test considered associations when the cell value following cross-tabulation was < 5. A P-value < 0.05 was used as evidence for an association between trusted sources of information and independent variables. All results were presented as frequencies, proportions, Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, and P-values at 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). RESULTS In a study of 587 participants, most were males, 335(57.1%), in the age group of 25-34 years, 180(31.4%), and the most trusted source of COVID-19 vaccine information were the traditional media sources for example, Televisions, Radios, and Newspapers, 349(33.6%). There was no significant association between sex and trusted sources of COVID-19 vaccine information. However, by age-group population, COVID-19 vaccine information was significantly associated with internet use (14.7% versus 85.3%; p = 0.02), information from family members (9.4% versus 90.6%; p < 0.01), and the Government/Ministry of Health (37.9% versus 62.1%; p < 0.01). Between healthcare workers and non-health workers, it was significantly associated with internet use (32.2% versus 67.8%; p = 0.03), healthcare providers (32.5% versus 67.5%; p < 0.018), the Government/Ministry of Health (31.1% versus 68.9%; p < 0.01), and scientific articles (44.7% versus 55.3%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The most trusted sources of COVID-19 vaccine information in northern Uganda were Televisions, Radios, and Newspapers. The trusted sources of COVID-19 vaccine information were not significantly different between males and females. However, there were significant differences among age groups and occupations of participants with younger age groups (≤ 44 years) and non-healthcare workers having more trust in Televisions, Radios, and Newspapers. Thus, for effective management of an epidemic, there is a need for accurate communication so that misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation in the era of "infodemic" do not disrupt the flow of correct information to communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnson Nyeko Oloya
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda
- Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, Moroto district, Mbale City, Uganda
| | - Nelson Onira Alema
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Gulu University, Gulu City, Uganda
| | - Christopher Okot
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda
- Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Gulu City, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Olal
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda
- Yotkom Medical Centre, Kitgum, Gulu City, Uganda
| | | | | | - Baguma Steven
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda
- Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Gulu City, Uganda
| | - Denish Omoya Ochula
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda
- District Health Office, Lamwo local government, Lamwo district, Gulu City, Uganda
| | - Patrick Odong Olwedo
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda
- District Health Office, Amuru local government, Amuru district, Gulu City, Uganda
| | - Francis Pebalo Pebolo
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Reproductive Health, Gulu University, Gulu City, Uganda
| | - Pamela Okot Atim
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda
- St. Joseph's Hospital, Kitgum district, Gulu City, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Smart Okot
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda
- Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial HospitalKalongo, Agago district, Gulu City, Uganda
| | - Ritah Nantale
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Busitema University, Mbale City, Uganda
| | - Judith Aloyo
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda
- Rhites-N, Acholi, Gulu City, Uganda
| | - David Lagoro Kitara
- Uganda Medical Association (UMA), UMA-Acholi branch, Gulu City, Uganda.
- Gulu Centre for Advanced Medical Diagnostics, Research, Trainings, and Innovations (GRUDI BIONTECH INITIATIVE), Gulu City, Uganda.
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Gulu University, Gulu City, Uganda.
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Amalo CG, Ekaristy EA, Wattileo M, Pakpahan M, Silitonga E. Factors affecting the community's attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination: cross-sectional study. Rev Bras Enferm 2023; 76Suppl 1:e20220597. [PMID: 38055428 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to analyze the factors that affect the community's attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination in Tangerang District. METHODS A cross-sectional study was used. Convenience sampling was used to select 400 respondents. Inclusion criteria are living in Tangerang District, aged between 18 and 55, and earning a living. An online questionnaire was used and passed validity and reliability tests. This study received ethical approval. RESULTS Most respondents had a high level of education (48.50%), low income (72.50%), high knowledge (78%), and a positive attitude (76.50%) regarding vaccination against COVID-19. The Chi-square test revealed a correlation between knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination (p=0.001), as well as education levels (p=0.001), but there was no correlation between income and attitudes (p=0.094). CONCLUSIONS Health professionals should engage in extensive socialization and face-to-face visits with people with limited access to information to promote a positive attitude and expand the scope of COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maretty Wattileo
- Universitas Pelita Harapan, Faculty of Nursing. Tangerang, Indonesia
| | - Martina Pakpahan
- Universitas Pelita Harapan, Faculty of Nursing. Tangerang, Indonesia
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Ware NC, Wyatt MA, Pisarski EE, Nalumansi A, Kasiita V, Kamusiime B, Nalukwago GK, Thomas D, Kibuuka J, Muwonge T, Mujugira A, Heffron R. How Central Ugandan HIV Clinics Adapted During COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions to Promote Continuous Access to Care: A Qualitative Analysis. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3725-3734. [PMID: 37266823 PMCID: PMC10235841 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04090-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We used qualitative data from the Partners PrEP Program (PPP) to address the question: How did Central Ugandan HIV clinics adapt to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions to promote continuous access to HIV care? PPP was a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial of integrated PrEP and ART delivery for HIV serodifferent couples at Central Ugandan HIV clinics (NCT03586128). Individual interviews with purposefully selected PPP couples (N = 42) and clinicians, coordinators, and counselors providing HIV care (N = 36) were carried out. Sixty-four interviews were completed after lockdown and included questions about accessing and providing ART/PrEP refills during lockdown restrictions. We used an inductive, content-focused approach to analyze these interview data. Barriers to continuous access identified by interviewees included loss of income with increased cost of transport, reduced staff at clinics, and physical distancing at clinics. Interviewees pointed to multi-month refills, visits to clinics "close to home," transport to clinics for providers, and delivery of refills in neighborhoods as factors promoting continuous access to antiretroviral medications. Access barriers appeared somewhat different for ART and PrEP. Fewer resources for community delivery and pre-refill HIV testing requirements were identified as PrEP-specific access challenges. Participants emphasized their success in continuing ART/PrEP adherence during the lockdown, while providers emphasized missed refill visits. These results highlight the contributions of providers and ART/PrEP users to adaptation of HIV services during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in Uganda. The roles of direct care providers and service users as drivers of adaptation should be recognized in future efforts to conceptualize and investigate health system resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma C Ware
- Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Monique A Wyatt
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Global, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Emily E Pisarski
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Vicent Kasiita
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brenda Kamusiime
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Dorothy Thomas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Joseph Kibuuka
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Timothy Muwonge
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
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Ndejjo R, Kabwama SN, Namale A, Tusubira AK, Wanyana I, Kizito S, Kiwanuka SN, Wanyenze RK. Harnessing digital technology for COVID-19 response in Uganda: lessons and implications for future public health emergencies. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013288. [PMID: 37793838 PMCID: PMC10551983 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 was one of the greatest disruptors of the 21st century, causing significant morbidity and mortality globally. Countries around the world adopted digital technologies and innovations to support the containment of the pandemic. This study explored the use of digital technology and barriers to its utilisation in responding to COVID-19 and sustaining essential health services in Uganda to inform response to future public health emergencies in low-resource settings. We reviewed published and grey literature on the use of digital technology in Uganda's response from March 2020 to April 2021 and conducted interviews with key informants. We thematically synthesised and summarised information on digital technology use as well as related challenges. During the COVID-19 response, digital technology was used in testing, contact tracing and surveillance, risk communication, supportive supervision and training, and maintenance of essential health services. The challenges with technology use were the disparate digital tools and health information systems leading to duplication of effort; limited access and coverage of digital tools, poor data quality; inaccessibility of data and an inability to support data manipulation, analysis and visualisation. Moreover, the inherent inadequate technology support systems such as poor internet and electricity infrastructure in some areas posed challenges of inequity. The harnessing of technology was key in supporting the COVID-19 response in Uganda. However, gaps existed in access, adoption, harmonisation, evaluation, sustainability and scale up of technology options. These issues should be addressed in preparedness efforts to foster technology adoption and application in public health emergencies with a focus on equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawlance Ndejjo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steven Ndugwa Kabwama
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alice Namale
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew K Tusubira
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Wanyana
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Kizito
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Suzanne N Kiwanuka
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Sambah F, Quansah F, Srem-Sai M, Frimpong JB, Agormedah EK, Ankomah F, Hagan JE. Assessing secondary school students' digital health literacy, information searching behaviours, and satisfaction with online COVID-19 information in Northern Ghana. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17936. [PMID: 37483798 PMCID: PMC10362077 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Available evidence suggests that managing the complexities of health information and the behaviours associated with information search call for adequate digital health literacy (DHL). Students' ability to judge the relevance of health-related information largely affects their level of satisfaction with the information. The study assessed DHL, information searching behaviours, and the link between DHL and COVID-19 information. The cross-sectional study utilised the multi-stage sampling technique in the selection of 1392 secondary school students in the Northern Region of Ghana. A DHL questionnaire was used to survey the students. The students displayed inadequate level of DHL concerning the relevance of online information. Predictably, most of them had not searched for information in the past four weeks prior to the data collection. Search engine portals, websites of public bodies, and news portals were the predominant platforms used for information search. Majority of the participants reported not being satisfied with the information they found on the internet about coronavirus. A significant association between DHL levels and utilization of COVID-19 information platforms was identified, such that students who showed high levels of DHL used platforms which had reviewed/professional content compared to those with low levels of DHL. Advanced DHL may serve as a disincentive to the consumption of information from sources which are not credible. There is an urgent call for collaboration among the ministries/agencies responsible for education and health, telecommunication networks, and civil society organisations for interventions aimed at integrating DHL in schools..
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Sambah
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Frank Quansah
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Education, P. O. Box 25, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Medina Srem-Sai
- Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, University of Education, P. O. Box 25, Winneba, Ghana
| | - James Boadu Frimpong
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, MB Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Kinesiology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA
| | - Edmond Kwesi Agormedah
- Department of Business & Social Sciences Education, University of Cape Coast, PMB Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Francis Ankomah
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Cape Coast, PMB Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Education, SDA College of Education, P. O. Box AS 18, Asokore-Koforidua, Ghana
| | - John Elvis Hagan
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, MB Cape Coast, Ghana
- Neurocognition and Action-Biomechanics-Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Bielefeld University, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
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Amodan BO, Kisakye A, Okumu PT, Ahirirwe SR, Kadobera D, Driwale A, Ario AR. Trends of key surveillance performance indicators of acute flaccid paralysis: a descriptive analysis, Uganda, 2015-2020. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1694. [PMID: 36071410 PMCID: PMC9449289 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14077-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polio is disease caused by poliovirus which can in turn cause irreversible paralytic disease, presenting as Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP). A sensitive AFP surveillance system, in which all reported AFP cases are evaluated, first to determine if they are true AFP cases or not, is key for tracking polio eradication. True AFP cases are then later categorized as polio AFP or non-polio AFP (NPAFP) cases. Sensitivity is defined by meeting an annual NPAFP rate/100,000 population < 15 years of ≥ 4/100,000, and an annual stool adequacy (SA) rate of ≥ 80%. We describe Uganda’s AFP surveillance performance between 2015–2020, based on the WHO-recommended indicators, including; NPAFP and stool adequacy rate. Methods We performed a descriptive analysis of national AFP surveillance data, 2015–2020 obtained from ministry of health. We evaluated proportion of reported AFP cases that were true AFP, and changes in NPAFP and stool adequacy (SA) rate over the study period. We evaluated the trends in achieving the targeted NPAFP and SA rates from 2015–2020. We used QGIS to illustrate patterns in NPAFP and SA rates across districts and subregions. Results Among 3,605 AFP cases reported and investigated countrywide from 2015–2020, 3,475 (96%) were true AFP cases. All the true AFP cases were non-polio related. District reporting was near-complete (97–100% each year). Overall, the mean NPAFP rate declined from 3.1/100,000 in 2015 to 2.1/100,000 in 2020. Less than 40% of districts met the NPAFP target rate in all years. The proportion of districts achieving the NPAFP target rate of ≥ 4/100,000 significantly declined from 35% in 2015 to 20% in 2020. The mean annual SA rate nationally was 88% from 2015–2020. Only 66% of districts achieved the SA target rate of ≥ 80% in the study period. The proportion of districts with SA rate ≥ 80% significantly increased from 68 to 80% between 2015 and 2020. Conclusion Most districts reported AFP cases. However, there was a decline in the NPAFP rate from 2015–2020 and few districts achieved the target rate. The suboptimal AFP surveillance system performance leaves the country at risk of missing ongoing poliovirus transmission. We recommend health worker training on active AFP searches, intensified supportive supervision, increase the number of environmental surveillance sentinel sites to boost AFP surveillance in the country, and periodic review meetings with districts to assess AFP surveillance performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob Omoda Amodan
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda. .,Ministry of Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Annet Kisakye
- World Health Organization, Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Alex Riolexus Ario
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda.,Ministry of Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
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Akinyemi JO, Agunbiade MO, Salawu MM, Eniade OD, Yaya S, Fawole OI. Perceptions of COVID-19 transmission risk and testing readiness in rural Southwest Nigeria. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2022; 17:e01334. [PMID: 36060208 PMCID: PMC9423704 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although community screening and testing have been recommended by the World Health Organization, the extent of readiness and the associated factors among rural populations remain unknown. We investigated the factors associated with perception of the COVID-19 transmission risk and readiness for testing in rural areas of Southwest Nigeria. Using a multistage cluster sampling technique, cross-sectional data was collected from 922 adults aged 18 years and above who were resident in rural communities selected across three States in the Southwest region between June and August 2020. Descriptive statistics and binary logit models with robust standard errors were utilized for analysis. Mean age of respondents was 37.0 (SD = 15.8) years; 58.6% female; 46.5% had secondary education; and most were traders (33.2%) and artisans (29.9%). Only 149 respondents (16.2%) had a accurate perception of COVID-19 transmission risk. Adjusted logit models showed that independent factors associated with accurate perception of COVID-19 transmission risk include: age 18&19 years (OR = 0.50, CI: 0.34–0.73); exposure to electronic media (OR = 1.84, CI: 1.07–3.18); and being an in-migrant (OR = 3.38, CI: 2.44–4.68). Less than one-third (28.8%) were willing to test for COVID-19. Severe fear of COVID-19 (OR = 3.99, CI: 1.36–11.74) was associated with willingness to undergo COVID-19 testing. Socio-demographic predictors of testing readiness included: male sex (OR = 1.51, CI: 1.36–1.68); traditional religion (OR = 2.81, CI: 1.05–7.53); and exposure to electronic media (OR = 1.31, CI: 1.06–1.62). Awareness campaigns need to be scaled up to improve perception and preparedness to test for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua O Akinyemi
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Melvin O Agunbiade
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Mobolaji M Salawu
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olanrewaju D Eniade
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Olufunmilayo I Fawole
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
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Reisz D, Crișan I. Perspectives on Mass Media and Governmental Measures during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic in a Romanian Sample of Healthcare Practitioners. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:191. [PMID: 35206806 PMCID: PMC8871758 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Along with the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic around the globe, a proliferation of mass media information exposed the population to an infodemic with various implications documented worldwide. The present study analyzed Romanian healthcare practitioners' (HCPs) appraisal of COVID-19 mass media information and governmental measures throughout 2020, ranking vaccination priorities and moral values. METHODS 97 HCP completed a cross-sectional survey with items referring to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. RESULTS Findings were consistent with other studies, indicating an overall negative appraisal of mass media information, which predicted anxiety and relaxation difficulties. Unlike other studies, our sample reported a moderate level of satisfaction with official measures in 2020, which was not related to their view on mass media information. The ranking of population categories in the vaccination order showed similarities with the governmental vaccination program in 2021. Despite placing freedom third after health and love in the hierarchy of values, HCPs showed a high tendency of limiting individual liberty for the common good. CONCLUSIONS Results showed a dissociation between the overall negative appraisal of mass media information and the satisfaction with governmental measures in 2020. Romanian HCPs shared a secular perspective on moral values and assumed an authoritarian position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Reisz
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babeș”, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Iulia Crișan
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
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