Myths about COVID-19 among Sindh Population: A Survey based Study.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges globally, with misinformation significantly impacting public health responses. The rapid spread of myths and misconceptions, particularly through social media, has necessitated a deeper understanding of the factors influencing public perception and behavior towards COVID-19 preventive measures, transmission, and treatment options. Objective: This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of COVID-19 related myths among the Sindh population, explore associations with sociodemographic characteristics, and assess the impact of misinformation on public health practices. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional survey design, we recruited 400 participants using convenience sampling. The survey comprised two parts: demographic information and a structured questionnaire assessing beliefs about COVID-19. Questions were designed to capture myths related to transmission, prevention, treatment, and vaccination. Responses were analyzed using SPSS software version 25, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA to identify significant associations between demographic factors and susceptibility to myths. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences. Results: The study found that 60% of participants harbored high levels of myths about COVID-19. Misconceptions were significantly associated with age, education, occupation, and marital status. Notably, 85% of respondents reported social media as their primary information source. Misconceptions included the efficacy of disinfecting groceries (62%), the risk posed by non-vegetarian food (12%), and misinformation about COVID-19 transmission through mosquitoes (5%). Additionally, there was a widespread belief in ineffective preventive measures and treatments, such as the use of home remedies (55%) and the misconception that vaccines cause COVID-19 (7%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of COVID-19 myths among the Sindh population highlights the critical role of social media in spreading misinformation. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address misinformation and enhance the public's ability to discern reliable information, particularly on digital platforms.