Covid-19 information dissemination in India: An evaluation through public awareness study

Abstract

Information dissemination during any disaster plays a vital role in the handling and recovery from the situation. The present study was an attempt to evaluate the information dissemination, reach, and penetration during COVID-19. The work was carried out by assessing public awareness during the first phase of lockdown through a questionnaire survey. The results indicated that, while the general public was well aware of most of the basic information related to COVID-19, some sensitive information showcased significant variation in public opinion owing to lack of information reach. Further, some variables like gender, education, and occupation played a vital role in information circulation and penetration. The influence of e-media over print media in the reliability of information during the pandemic was evidence suggesting the importance of social media in modern-day information broadcasting.