Information Sources Effect on COVID-19 Awareness Levels Among Persons of Concern in Nigeria

Abstract

Various sources of information emerge about outbreak of contagious viruses as was the case of COVID-19. The effectiveness of these sources affects the awareness level which is crucial in mitigating the spread. This study examines the various roles each sources played in influencing the level of awareness among persons of Concerns (PoCs) to UNHCR in Nigeria. Multinomial and Ordinal logistic models were used to analysed UNHCR micro data for PoCs obtained using disproportionate stratified random sampling from 1st of June 2020 to 16th of July 2020 through computer Assisted Telephone Interview. This study focuses on PoCs who indicated one of the five sources (Short messaging service (SMS), television (TV), radio, community and rumours) of information, resulting to total sample size of 1,439. The findings indicated at nationwide level, SMS and TV are much more veritable channels to enhanced PoCs awareness level. At the state level, particularly in Adamawa and Borno, the community is associated with high awareness. For Cross River and Benue states, rumours and TV appeared to be more effective for high awareness respectively. This study calls for increased use of TV, censoring information being rumoured and that of the community propaganda to ensure veritable information are disseminated to PoCs.