Information Dissemination Strategies Research Articles

Who has dominated information spreading on social media during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic in China? A temporal network analysis

In times of crisis, social media emerges as a pivotal channel for government-public communication. This study delves into the dynamics of a temporal weighted network on Weibo, analyzing 39,567,227 reposted data points related to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically during its critical early stage. We examine the information dissemination roles of eight distinct user types: state-run news media, non-state-run news media, influential we media, normal we media, celebrities, organizations, governmental departments, and normal users. This is achieved through the application of three centrality metrics: temporal weighted degree centrality (TWDC), temporal weighted closeness centrality (TWCC), and temporal weighted betweenness centrality (TWBC), focusing on three cases (Top 10, Top 20, and Top 50) based on ranking results. Our findings reveal that while state-run news media were prolific in information publishing, their roles as central and mediator agents in information spreading were comparatively weaker than those of non-state-run news media and we media, especially influential we media. This pattern underscores potential risks in false information propagation and highlights gaps in the government's information dissemination strategy during the early stages of the pandemic. The study offers targeted theoretical and practical implications, suggesting how governments might more effectively leverage social media for crisis communication, thereby enhancing their role in combating misinformation and guiding public perception. These insights are crucial for framing more responsive and adaptive communication strategies in the initial phases of a crisis, providing a global blueprint for effective information management in public health emergencies.

Model of Information Dissemination in the Context of Reputation Formation of an Auditing Company: Official Sources or “Word of Mouth”?

The reputation of auditing firms is of paramount importance in ensuring trust and confidence in financial markets. This article investigates the information dissemination model and its impact on the reputation formation of auditing companies, focusing on the choice between official sources (formal channels, corporate communications, regulatory disclosures, etc.) and word-of-mouth mechanisms (informal channels, client recommendations, corporate gossip, etc.). The research reveals the complex dynamics between formal and informal information dissemination strategies (official sources provide trust and transparency, while word-of-mouth mechanisms offer detailed information and trust) and their implications for reputation management in the auditing industry. The relevance of this research problem lies in the critical role of auditing firms in supporting transparency and honesty in financial reporting, especially after corporate scandals and regulatory scrutiny. The primary aim of this research is to understand the relative effectiveness of different information dissemination models in shaping the reputation of auditing companies. The choice of research subject is justified by the significant influence of auditing firms on financial markets, corporate governance, and investor trust. Using VOSviewer 1.6.16 software, the article conducts a bibliometric analysis of English-language articles and conference abstracts indexed in the Scopus database from 2007 to 2023 (1177 publications) using the keywords “Reputation” and “Auditing Firm.” The analysis confirms the increasing scholarly interest in this topic and identifies 8 thematic clusters, the largest of which combines corporate, image, and social reputation with stability and consistency. The empirical part of the research involves constructing a polygamous model similar to the SIR model, which describes the behavior of three groups of subjects depending on the presence of information and actions regarding its dissemination (active, passive, neutral). The article models the intensity of changes in the number of group members considering various phenomenological parameters (e.g., intensity of communicative processes between groups, structure of social system connections, mathematical expectation of time required for a subject to transition from one group to another, etc.). The results of this research have practical implications for auditing firms, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders in the financial sector. By understanding the relative strengths and weaknesses of different information dissemination models, auditing firms can adapt their communication strategies to effectively enhance their reputation. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on reputation management and trust-building in financial markets.

How does information encountering enhance purchase behavior? The mediating role of customer inspiration

With the explosive growth and fragmented dissemination of information, information encountering, a form of passive information acquisition, has become a dominant way for consumers to obtain consumption information online. This means of acquiring information may have implications for consumer behavior. The current research explored the influence of information encountering on purchase behavior. Three online experiments were conducted to test the interaction between information relevance (interest-related vs. problem-related) and consumers' goal state (no-goal vs. other goal) in relation to purchase behavior, and tested whether this link was mediated by customer inspiration. Results showed that information relevance and goal state interacted to predict purchase behavior. Specifically, purchase behavior was highest when participants encountered problem-related information in the no-goal state and when participants encountered interest-related information in the other-goal state. Moreover, customer inspiration mediated these effects. Our work expands the literature on information encountering and customer inspiration, and has implications for enterprises’ information dissemination strategies.

"Saving Students' Lives": Instructor Sharing of Run-Hide-Fight® Emergency Preparedness Materials.

When emergency situations occur, it is essential that individuals can effectively respond to keep themselves and others safe. One attempt at increasing individuals' readiness for an emergency is the Run-Hide-Fight® campaign, which has been adopted by several higher education institutions in the United States. This study explores the dissemination of this campaign by instructors at a large Midwestern university in the United States. We generally find support for the reasoned action perspective, with attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control influencing intentions to share the emergency preparedness video with students. Through open-ended responses provided by the instructors, we identify four main themes surrounding video dissemination. First, most instructors felt comfortable sharing the video, believing it would be useful in preparing students for an emergency. Second, some instructors voiced concerns about the negative emotional effects the video may have on students. Third, instructors generally appreciated the brief and effective delivery of the message, though some were concerned about dramatizing emergencies. Finally, instructors suggested ways of improving the video, such as including more specific guidance on how to behave in an emergency situation. Practically, these findings suggest that universities should consider their emergency preparedness information dissemination strategy to maximize credibility, minimize message fatigue, and reach more students. Theoretically, this study affirms the tenets of reasoned action and suggests alternative theoretical approaches for future scholarship.

Attitudes and experiences regarding preventive strategies for the deaf population in Western New York.

People for whom English is a second language, such as the deaf population, often have unequal access to health information and low health literacy. In the context of a wider study on risk of tick-borne illness in deaf communities, we explored barriers, opportunities, and nuances to accessible health information and communication among deaf people. Semi-structured qualitative individual and group interviews were conducted with 40 deaf people in upstate New York, to explore factors associated with health literacy and health information accessibility. Interviews were conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) by a deaf researcher fluent in ASL. Data analysis included the translation of ASL signs into English words, systematic coding, and generation of themes. A total of 21 interview events (mean time per interview = 41 minutes) were conducted. Two main themes and multiple sub-themes emerged from the data: 1) Layers of obstacles faced by deaf people confirms (or reinforces) exclusion; and 2) preventive information is unavailable or inaccessible to deaf people. Sub- themes identified in the results were perceptions of the deaf community and deaf culture, complex layers of obstacles faced by deaf individuals, the digital divide, the culture of communication, awareness of tick and tick-borne disease (TBD) diseases, importance of using certified deaf interpreters (CDI), health information dissemination strategies and collaborations with the education system, and physical/virtual community engagement. The data suggested several challenges to health literacy in the deaf population, including healthcare and education inequalities and negative perceptions of deaf people by both deaf and hearing people. Improving health literacy in the deaf population requires more interpreters who themselves are deaf ("certified deaf interpreters"), provision of health information in ASL, and a greater engagement with the deaf population by education and healthcare systems.

What triggers tourists’ anxiety? The differential impacts of crisis information source types in social media on tourists’ cross-border travel anxiety

Purpose This study aims to reveal the triggering mechanism and boundary conditions of tourists’ cross-border travel anxiety (CBTA) from different crisis information sources. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the heuristic-systematic model (HSM), this study constructs a theoretical formation path of tourists’ CBTA. Based on competence-based and moral-based crises, hypotheses were examined through three situational experiments, targeting Chinese and Malaysian potential tourists. Findings Organization-released crisis information triggers higher tourists’ CBTA than government ones, with perceived uncertainty mediating it. Crisis communication message appeals (CCMAs) (rational vs emotional) negatively moderate the above relationships. Rational CCMAs work for governmental crisis communication, while emotional CCMAs work for organizational ones. Practical implications This study proposes a heuristic cross-border tourism crisis information dissemination strategy for destination management organizations and highlights the advantages of CCMAs in preventing secondary crises. Originality/value This study reexamines the cause-and-effect and the intervention mechanisms of tourists’ reactions to crisis information, which expands the cross-border tourism crisis management research and the application of the HSM in such a context.

A deep learning and clustering‐based topic consistency modeling framework for matching health information supply and demand

AbstractImproving health literacy through health information dissemination is one of the most economical and effective mechanisms for improving population health. This process needs to fully accommodate the thematic suitability of health information supply and demand and reduce the impact of information overload and supply–demand mismatch on the enthusiasm of health information acquisition. We propose a health information topic modeling analysis framework that integrates deep learning methods and clustering techniques to model the supply‐side and demand‐side topics of health information and to quantify the thematic alignment of supply and demand. To validate the effectiveness of the framework, we have conducted an empirical analysis on a dataset with 90,418 pieces of textual data from two prominent social networking platforms. The results show that the supply of health information in general has not yet met the demand, the demand for health information has not yet been met to a considerable extent, especially for disease‐related topics, and there is clear inconsistency between the supply and demand sides for the same health topics. Public health policy‐making departments and content producers can adjust their information selection and dissemination strategies according to the distribution of identified health topics, thereby improving the effectiveness of public health information dissemination.

REstrictive versus StandarD FlUid Management in Mechanically Ventilated ChildrEn Admitted to PICU: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial (REDUCE-1)

IntroductionIntravenous fluid therapy is the most common intervention in critically ill children. There is an increasing body of evidence questioning the safety of high-volume intravenous fluid administration in these patients....

Strategies for deploying triple artemisinin-based combination therapy in the Greater Mekong Subregion

BackgroundThis is a qualitative study to identify implementation challenges for deploying triple artemisinin-based combination therapy (TACT) in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of Southeast Asia and to explore strategies to overcome these challenges.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted in three countries that have repeatedly been confronted with ACT failures: Cambodia, Vietnam, and Lao PDR. Thirty-nine key stakeholders in the healthcare systems in these countries were interviewed. One participatory workshop was conducted in Cambodia, where scenarios for potential TACT deployment were discussed.ResultsThe results section is organized around four strategic themes that emerged from the data: policy support, data and evidence, logistics and operation, and downstream engagement. The study revealed that countries in the GMS currently rely on ACT to eliminate Plasmodium falciparum malaria by 2025. TACT is, however, considered to be a useful backup strategy in case of future treatment failures and to prevent the re-establishment of malaria. The study showed that a major challenge ahead is to engage decision makers and healthcare providers into deploying TACT, given the low case incidence of falciparum malaria in the GMS. Interview respondents were also skeptical whether healthcare providers would be willing to engage in new therapies for a disease they hardly encounter anymore. Hence, elaborate information dissemination strategies were considered appropriate and these strategies should especially target village malaria workers. Respondents proposed several regulatory and programmatic strategies to anticipate the formation of TACT markets in the GMS. These strategies include early dossier submission to streamline regulatory procedures, early stakeholder engagement strategies to shorten implementation timelines, and inclusion of TACT as second-line therapy to accelerate their introduction in case they are urgently needed.ConclusionsThis paper presents a qualitative study to identify implementation challenges for deploying TACT in the GMS and to explore strategies to overcome these challenges. The findings could benefit researchers and decision makers in strategizing towards potential future deployment of TACT in the GMS to combat artemisinin and partner drug resistance.

Determinants of Simultaneous Use of Soil Fertility Information Sources among Smallholder Farmers in the Central Highlands of Kenya

Soil fertility decline is a significant drawback to food and nutritional security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, information and knowledge barriers seriously impede the adoption, effective use, and scaling up of soil fertility management innovations, especially by smallholder farmers who produce the bulk of the region’s food needs. Apart from the knowledge that smallholder farmers seek soil fertility information from diverse sources, which they apply simultaneously, there is limited knowledge of farmers’ information-seeking behaviour regarding which sources are used simultaneously and the factors influencing these choices. We employed a cross-sectional survey study design to determine the simultaneous use of soil fertility information sources of 400 smallholder farming households in the Central Highlands of Kenya. We analysed the data using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and a multivariate probit model. The PCA distinguished seven categories of information sources farmers use: local interpersonal, cosmopolite interpersonal, aggregative, print/demonstration, broadcast media, community-based, and progressive learning sources. The intensity of use revealed that most of the smallholders used soil fertility information sources simultaneously and primarily as complements. The determinants of simultaneous use of soil fertility information sources were farmer location, marital status, main occupation, age, farming experience, exposure to agricultural training, group membership, arable land and livestock units owned, soil fertility status, soil fertility change, and soil testing. This study’s findings have implications for information dissemination strategies involving using multiple complementary sources of knowledge for improved soil health and productivity.

Assessment of Information Needs of Apple Growers in District Baramulla of Jammu and Kashmir (UT), India

Nowadays it is a prerequisite to know the information needs of farmers and to provide information according to their needs. Along with land, labour and capital, Information is perceived as a critical factor of production in farming. Information regarding various aspects of crop production and protection can empower farmers to mitigate losses. Apple among various horticultural crops holds great promise for the economy and livelihood of farmers living in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. The area under apple cultivation has increased but the production and productivity have not increased to a satisfactory level. There is an urgent need to identify the information needs of farmers. The present study was undertaken to find out the information needs of apple growers in the northern district (Baramulla) of J & K (UT) having the maximum area and production of apple fruit in the UT. The study adopted a descriptive research design and the sample size of 300 apple growers was selected through a proportionate random sampling method from purposively selected 15 horticultural zones of district Baramulla, having maximum area and production of apple fruit in the district. Data was collected personally by the researcher through a well-structured interview schedule. The most prioritized areas of information needs expressed by the apple growers were disease management, training/pruning, govt. schemes and subsidies, innovative techniques (HDP) and pest management. The overall information needs behaviour of apple growers was medium (45.00%) with mean information needs of 62.48. Explanatory variables land holding, source of information and scientific orientation have a positive and significant relationship with the information needs of apple growers. A pertinent information dissemination strategy can be developed on the basis of their information needs behaviour. The study will act as an eye-opener for policy makers to formulate relevant policies and design programmes to enhance the production and productivity of apple.

Understanding Stakeholders' Perspectives to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Uptake Among Black Individuals With Rheumatic Conditions.

Disparities in COVID-19 vaccine and booster uptake persist. This study aimed to obtain perspectives from community and physician stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccine and booster hesitancy and strategies to promote vaccine uptake among Black individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions. We invited community leaders and physicians in greater Boston and Chicago to participate in semi-structured interviews using a moderator guide developed a priori. Participants were queried about how to best address vaccine hesitancy, strategies to target high-risk populations, and factors to identify future community leaders. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using Dedoose. A total of 8 physicians and 12 community leaders participated in this study between November 2021 and October 2022. Qualitative analyses revealed misinformation/mixed messaging and mistrust, with subthemes including conspiracy theories, concerns regarding vaccine development and function, racism and historical injustices, and general mistrust of health care systems as the top cited reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Participants also shared demographic-specific differences, such as race, ethnicity, age, and gender that influenced the identified themes, with emphasis on COVID-19 vaccine access and apathy. Strategies for community-based vaccine-related information dissemination included personal storytelling with an iterative and empathetic approach, while recognizing the importance of protecting community leader well-being. To increase vaccine uptake among Black individuals with rheumatic conditions, strategies should acknowledge and respond to racial/ethnic and socioeconomic injustices that engender vaccine hesitancy. Messaging should be compassionate, individually tailored, and recognize heterogeneity in experiences and opinions. Results from these analyses will inform a planned community-based intervention in Boston and Chicago.

Impact of Facebook Conspiracy Theories on COVID-19 among Pakistani Users

The article delves into the intricate dynamics between online conspiracy theories, Facebook engagement, and perceptions of the pandemic. Examining three hypotheses, the study unveils the interplay between Facebook users' doubts regarding the pandemic, the formulation of conspiracy theories by online groups, and the impact of inadequate government communication on the spread of fake news. Through a meticulous survey-based approach, the researcher collected and analyzed data from a diverse group of participants, including medical professionals, media personnel, religious leaders, recovered patients, and the general public. The study's results highlight a discernible connection between conspiracy theories and public doubts about the pandemic, while underscoring Facebook groups' role in amplifying and perpetuating unfounded claims. It stresses the crucial role of effective governmental communication in curbing misinformation dissemination. The research's theoretical implications shed light on the interplay between digital spaces, public perceptions, and the diffusion of conspiracy-driven narratives. From a practical standpoint, the study accentuates the necessity of targeted interventions to promote accurate information and mitigate the harmful effects of conspiracy theories on public beliefs and behaviors. It highlights the importance of fostering responsible digital citizenship and enhancing information dissemination strategies, particularly in times of crisis.

The Role of Outdoor Media and "Solo Berseri" Magazine in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Surakarta Municipal Program Promotion (ATT)

This study aimed to provide input and evaluation for the Surakarta City Communication, Information, Statistics, and Encryption Service in measuring the effectiveness of their information dissemination work programs. Conducted as a descriptive quantitative research with a sample size of N = 30, the study assessed the media consumption patterns of Surakarta City residents and the affordability of the promotional media used by the Solo City Government. The findings of this study revealed that the magazine "Solo Berseri" possesses sufficient attractiveness and informational value, meeting the gratification needs of its readers. However, the limited accessibility of this magazine hampers its effectiveness as a promotional medium. These results emphasize the importance of ensuring accessibility and distribution channels for promotional materials. Addressing the limited accessibility of "Solo Berseri" would enhance its impact as a promotional medium for the Solo City Government. Additionally, the findings suggest that the strategic placement of billboards can effectively reach the target audience and disseminate important information. Based on these findings, recommendations can be made for the Surakarta City Communication, Information, Statistics, and Encryption Service to improve their information dissemination strategies. Implementing measures to increase the accessibility of "Solo Berseri" and exploring additional affordable promotional media channels could enhance the effectiveness of their communication efforts. By incorporating these suggestions, the Surakarta City Government can enhance their communication efforts and ensure that important information reaches and resonates with the residents effectively

Cities under fire: Crisis communication on home front versus frontline cities' Facebook pages during operation ‘guardian of the walls’

AbstractSocial media has been widely adopted by local governments during emergencies and crises and its role as a communication platform has been discussed in various studies on natural hazards, pandemics and terror attacks. However, research in the field has not addressed how municipalities use social media to communicate valuable information during armed conflicts and military operations. The current study examined the ways five major cities in Israel used their Facebook pages to connect to their residents during operation ‘Guardian of the Walls' in 2021. We examined the social media usage and the strategies of these cities during the 12 days of the operation. The findings revealed significant differences between cities that are considered as home front versus frontline regions regarding content type and information dissemination strategies. Additionally, differences regarding content types in terms of sentiment and overall rates of engagement were also identified. These findings highlight the need to further investigate local municipalities' usage of social media during armed conflicts concerning the civil population.

Enhancing Community Engagement and Outreach: Strategies for Information Dissemination at the Bangladesh National Museum

Museums, traditional custodians of cultural heritage, are adapting to the digital age. The Bangladesh National Museum faces the challenge of effectively disseminating information to engage with an evolving, diverse audience. This research explores strategies for enhancing community engagement and outreach through innovative information dissemination. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with museum visitors, staff, and community members, this study captures quantitative and qualitative data. It emphasizes contemporary roles, such as inclusivity, accessibility, and relevance. Findings offer insights into current community engagement and information dissemination at the Bangladesh National Museum. Recommendations, informed by visitor perspectives and global best practices, empower the museum to navigate the digital era while preserving its core role as a cultural steward and educator. By enhancing information dissemination, the museum can bridge cultural understanding, foster lifelong learning, and contribute to sustainable societal development.

Communication Strategy Model Typical Endorser Central Government Bank on Instagram During Pandemic

The purpose of this study was to determine the information dissemination strategy carried out by Central Government Bank by the role of Typical Person Endorser on Instagram. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The data collection uses observations and interviews with the manager of the communication department of Central Government Bank along with the 3 best Sobat Digital participants who gain highest engagement rate and most content posted related Central Government Bank’s policy. From the results was found that the strategy for using Typical Person Endorser by Central Government Bank to information disseminating about the company and product consisted of Planning covering the selection process and making monthly communication themes, Implementation including training and content creation and publishing, and Evaluation covering social media monitoring and Appreciation in form of good such as work facilities. One of the examples of policy dissemination is digital payment policy during pandemic. In this study, it was also found that the typical person endorser can be used as brand advocacy to disseminate information to break the chain of the COVID-19 virus in the pandemic in direct purchase.

The Relationship Between the Big Five Personality Traits and the Theory of Planned Behavior in Using Mindfulness Mobile Apps: Cross-sectional Survey.

Mindfulness has emerged as a promising approach toward improving mental health. Interest in mindfulness mobile app services has also increased in recent years. Understanding the determinants of mindfulness behavior is essential to predict people's utilization of mindfulness mobile apps and beneficial for developing and implementing relevant intervention strategies. Nevertheless, little has been done to determine the predictors of mindfulness behavior. This study investigates the association between the Big Five personality traits and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables in the context of using mindfulness mobile apps to explore the potential indirect effects of conscientiousness and neuroticism on people's behavioral intention for mindfulness, mediated by their attitude toward mindfulness, subjective norm about mindfulness, and perceived behavior control over mindfulness. The authors conducted an online, cross-sectional survey in December 2021. Structural equation modeling was conducted to evaluate the overall model fit and test possible linkages among conscientiousness, neuroticism, attitude toward mindfulness, subjective norm about mindfulness, perceived behavior control over mindfulness, and behavioral intention for mindfulness. Bootstrapping mediation analyses were also conducted to test the potential mediating effect in the model. A total of 297 Korean participants' responses (153 males and 144 females) were analyzed. The proposed model had a good fit. Conscientiousness was correlated with attitude toward mindfulness (β=.384, P<.001), subjective norm about mindfulness (β=.249, P<.001), and perceived behavior control over mindfulness (β=.443, P<.001). Neuroticism was not correlated with attitude toward mindfulness (β=-.072, P=.28), but was correlated with subjective norm about mindfulness (β=.217, P=.003) and perceived behavior control over mindfulness (β=-.235, P<.001). Attitude toward mindfulness (β=.508, P<.001), subjective norm about mindfulness (β=.132, P=.01), and perceived behavior control over mindfulness (β=.540, P<.001) were separately correlated with behavioral intention for mindfulness. Conscientiousness was not directly correlated with behavioral intention for mindfulness (β=-.082, P=.27), whereas neuroticism was directly correlated with behavioral intention for mindfulness (β=.194, P=.001). Conscientiousness was indirectly linked with behavioral intention for mindfulness through attitude toward mindfulness (B=0.171, 95% CI 0.103-0.251) and perceived behavior control over mindfulness (B=0.198, 95% CI 0.132-0.273) but not through subjective norm about mindfulness (B=0.023, 95% CI -0.002 to 0.060). Neuroticism was indirectly linked with behavioral intention for mindfulness via perceived behavior control over mindfulness (B=-0.138, 95% CI -0.197 to -0.088) but not via subjective norm about mindfulness (B=0.021, 95% CI -0.002 to 0.059). The results show that the integration of the Big Five personality traits and TPB constructs is useful in predicting the use of mindfulness mobile apps. Focusing on conscientiousness and neuroticism in developing information dissemination and implementation strategies for enhancing mindfulness behavior using mobile apps may lead to the successful promotion of mindfulness mobile apps and adherence to mindfulness techniques.

Client Awareness and Effectiveness of the Information Dissemination Strategies of a Prosecution Office in Negros Occidental

Aims: This paper assessed the clients’ awareness and effectiveness of the traditional and modern information dissemination strategies of a prosecution office in Negros Occidental when the clients are taken as a whole and grouped according to geographical location and services availed from the said office. It also identified the challenges encountered by the clients with the information dissemination strategies of the prosecution office.&#x0D; Study Design: This study used the quantitative-descriptive research design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted among the clients of the prosecution office in Negros Occidental, Philippines from June to July 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Through a validated and reliability-tested researcher-made survey instrument, data were gathered from 50 clients who availed of the services of the prosecution office from June to July 2021. Data on clients’ awareness and challenges encountered on the information dissemination strategies were treated using frequency and percentage distribution. Meanwhile, data on the level of effectiveness of the strategies were treated using mean and standard deviation.&#x0D; Results: As a whole, 83% of the respondents (f=415) are aware of the information dissemination strategies of the prosecution office on the average. Overall, the level of effectiveness of the information dissemination strategies of the prosecution office is very high (M=4.32, SD=0.70). The&#x0D; most common challenges encountered by the clients with the information dissemination strategies of the office are limited usage of modern tools for more effective and faster dissemination of information (f=9, %=18), no print and broadcast media for updates on its services (f=8, %=16), no mechanism for feedbacks on the information relayed to the clients and the public (f=7, %=14), no well-established system for disseminating information to the clients and the public (f=6, %=12), and no assigned personnel who takes the responsibility of disseminating the information to the clients and the public (f=6, %=12).&#x0D; Conclusion: Information dissemination is one of the responsibilities of the government to the people. To apprise the public of updates relating to the functions and services of government offices, there should be effective dissemination tools that can transmit the information from the source to the receiver. Despite the emergence of many modern tools to facilitate communication, people still hold on to the relevance and importance of the traditional tools; thus, the role of the traditional tools in any context or environment will be irreplaceable.

COVID-19 Misinformation: A Potent Co-Factor in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19, the biggest global health crisis of our times was complicated by an equally potent co-factor: the misinformation infodemic. A confluence of unique factors led to the emergence of the crisis of misinformation, including the widespread reach of social media, the lack of credible sources and strategies for information dissemination, and the sticky and virulent nature of the misinformation campaigns. One of the primary targets of the misinformation campaign was the COVID-19 vaccine effort, leading to significant impediments to implementing an effective and successful vaccination campaign. The time to act is now and will need a concerted multipronged approach with a close partnership between scientists, public health agencies, government agencies, and social media companies to foster accuracy in the exchange of health information in social media and curb the menace of misinformation. This paper aims to review the scope of the problem and examine strategies to help mitigate it.