Common Myths About Coronavirus Disease-19 ( COVID-19) Among Adults

Abstract

Objective. People adopted different attitudes and behaviors during the outbreak of COVID19pandemic. It results in development of various myths among the peoplewhichalso effect adoption ofprecautionary measures. The present study thus attempted to assess common myths related toCOVID-19 in Pakistan among general population of adults.Method. A list of 33 myths was generated based on literature, opinion of subject matter experts, andgeneral observation of myths prevailing in Pakistan. It was used to assess myths about COVID-19 forthe sample (N=220) of adults (Mage=27.9; SDage=10.2).Results. Results suggested that the most prevalent myths are:(a)older people are more vulnerable to getinfected of COVID-19 (82%) and (b) thermal scanners can detect if the person is infected of virus(75%). Participants also mention some associated indigenous myths e.g., COVID-19 doesn’t prevail,deaths are misreported as caused by Corona virus, and Corona recovered people can’t get infected againetc. Results of t-test suggested that men are stronger myths believers as compared to women.Differences with respect to education demonstrated that undergraduates and graduates are significantlyhigher believers of myth than postgraduates.Implications. Findings could help to develop a clear awareness of the false beliefs about COVID-19.Addressing the false beliefs would assist in ensuring the adoption of necessary precautionsas beliefsclosely associate with preventive measures adopted.