Trend of The Utilization of COVID-19 Hotline as a Service Provider on Information Regarding COVID-19 in the Special Region of Yogyakarta

Abstract

The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) is still increasing every single day. One of the measures which can be taken to reduce the number of positive cases of COVID-19 is to provide credible and valid information services regarding the disease. The information provider service is in the form of an interactive hotline so that people can ask for more detailed information related to COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to identify the provision of information about COVID-19 through the COVID-19 Hotline in DIY and analyze its trend of the utility. The research method used is qualitative with descriptive analysis techniques. There are two types of COVID-19 hotlines operating in DIY managed by the Regional Disaster Relief Agency (BPBD) and the Health Office of DIY. The results obtained from this study are the trend of the number of COVID-19 Hotline users in DIY is fluctuative according to the situation and conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic in DIY. The information submitted to the BPBD DIY COVID-19 Hotline is general information related to the way of handling COVID-19. Meanwhile, more detailed health information and mechanisms for handling COVID-19 can be obtained through the COVID-19 Hotline of the DIY Health Office. Through this research, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 Hotline in DIY can provide the information that the community needs. The most asked category of information was related to health services regarding COVID-19. The trend of the utility of the COVID-19 Hotline can be seen through the spread of incoming calls. The largest number of users is in the city of Yogyakarta. This is due to the highest positive cases of COVID-19 in DIY are in the city of Yogyakarta, so the need for information related to the development of COVID-19 also increases. The difference in the number of COVID-19 calls in DIY in each regency can be caused by the COVID-19 Hotline service at the city and district levels as well.