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Association of COVID-19 Misinformation with Face Mask Wearing and Social Distancing in a Nationally Representative US Sample.
Hornik, Robert; Kikut, Ava; Jesch, Emma; Woko, Chioma; Siegel, Leeann; Kim, Kwanho.
  • Hornik R; Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania.
  • Kikut A; Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania.
  • Jesch E; Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania.
  • Woko C; Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania.
  • Siegel L; Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania.
  • Kim K; Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania.
Health Commun ; 36(1): 6-14, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-939492
ABSTRACT
Wide-spread misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for communicating public health recommendations. Should campaigns to promote protective behaviors focus on debunking misinformation or targeting behavior-specific beliefs? To address this question, we examine whether belief in COVID-19 misinformation is directly associated with two behaviors (face mask wearing and social distancing), and whether behavior-specific beliefs can account for this association and better predict behavior, consistent with behavior-change theory. We conducted a nationally representative two-wave survey of U.S. adults from 5/26/20-6/12/20 (n = 1074) and 7/15/20-7/21//20 (n = 889; follow-up response 83%). Scales were developed and validated for COVID-19 related misinformation beliefs, social distancing and face mask wearing, and beliefs about the consequences of both behaviors. Cross-lagged panel linear regression models assessed relationships among the variables. While belief in misinformation was negatively associated with both face mask wearing (B = -.27, SE =.06) and social-distancing behaviors (B = -.46, SE =.08) measured at the same time, misinformation did not predict concurrent or lagged behavior when the behavior-specific beliefs were incorporated in the models. Beliefs about behavioral outcomes accounted for face mask wearing and social distancing, both cross-sectionally (B =.43, SE =.05; B =.63, SE =.09) and lagged over time (B =.20, SE = 04; B =.30, SE =.08). In conclusion, belief in COVID-19-related misinformation is less relevant to protective behaviors, but beliefs about the consequences of these behaviors are important predictors. With regard to misinformation, we recommend health campaigns aimed at promoting protective behaviors emphasize the benefits of these behaviors, rather than debunking unrelated false claims.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Health Communication / Physical Distancing / COVID-19 / Masks Type of study: Cohort study / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Country/Region as subject: North America Language: English Journal: Health Commun Journal subject: Health Services Research / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Health Communication / Physical Distancing / COVID-19 / Masks Type of study: Cohort study / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Country/Region as subject: North America Language: English Journal: Health Commun Journal subject: Health Services Research / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article