Social media influence on COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among University students: a Malawi case study.

INTRODUCTION: The global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic relies significantly on vaccination. The collective international effort has been massive, but the pace of vaccination finds hindrance due to supply and vaccine hesitancy factors. Understanding public perceptions, especially through the lens of social media, is important. This study investigates the influence of social media on COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among university students in Malawi. METHODS: The study utilized a quantitative methodology and employed a cross-sectional study design to explore the relationship between social media dynamics and COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among 382 randomly sampled students at MUBAS. Data, collected by use of a Likert-scale questionnaire, was analyzed using IBM SPSS 20 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests. RESULTS: The findings reveal crucial correlations. Specifically, trust in online vaccine information shows a positive correlation (r = 0.296, p < 0.01) with active engagement in social media discussions. Conversely, a negative correlation surfaces concerning individuals' reactions to vaccine availability in Malawi (r = -0.026, p > 0.05). The demographic overview highlights the prevalence of the 16 to 30 age group, representing 92.9% of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The identified correlations emphasize the need for careful communication strategies tailored to combat misinformation and enhance vaccine acceptance among the younger demographic in Malawi. The positive correlation between trust in online vaccine information and social media engagement underscores digital platforms' potential for disseminating accurate information. Conversely, the negative correlation with vaccine availability reactions suggest the presence of complex factors shaping public perceptions.

Harnessing the potential of African youth for transforming health research in Africa.

Africa faces a significant burden of infectious diseases, including Malaria and HIV/AIDS, along with an increasing prevalence of non-infectious diseases such as diabetes and cancer. This dual health challenge is amplified by socioeconomic difficulties, restricted access to healthcare, and lifestyle changes, thus present unique scientific needs. Effectively addressing these issues requires a skilled scientific workforce adept in comprehensive healthcare strategies. This analysis explores the critical landscape of health research in Africa, emphasizing the unique opportunity presented by the continent's youthful population, projected to reach almost 1 billion by 2050. The youth's innovative potential and fresh perspectives offer a chance to overcome development barriers in health research. Nevertheless, challenges such as under-resourced education, limited research training, inadequate mentorship, and funding difficulties persist. This paper urgently calls upon African leaders, international partners, and stakeholders to prioritize health research, mobilize funding, forge strategic partnerships, and empower the youth as essential steps to capitalize on the continent's dynamic youth for breakthrough health outcomes. Such investments are vital not just for health but for the overall economic, social, and strategic growth of the continent. Through shared responsibility and a united effort, the potential of African youth can be harnessed, leading to transformative research, improved health outcomes, and a prosperous future. This perspective represents the collective voice of passionate young researchers and advocates across Africa, calling for a new era of health research on the continent.

Exploring electronic cigarette portrayals: a content and thematic analysis of African online news coverage.

BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarette use has surged internationally in recent years, with numerous countries noting an uptick in users. Despite this, the portrayal of e-cigarette usage in African news remains unclear. METHODS: This research investigates the subject, employing a mixed-methodology approach. The study units were news articles on electronic cigarette use retrieved from AllAfrica, an online African news archive. A total of 38 online news and opinion articles published between June 2017 and June 2022 qualified the exclusion and inclusion criteria. A content analysis revealed prevalent codes and themes, while a thematic analysis explored the association between news sources and framing. RESULTS: The results indicate that articles and arguments presenting e-cigarettes positively outnumber those with a negative slant. The health impacts of electronic cigarettes emerged as the most discussed topic, with health authorities frequently cited as news sources. However, these health authorities often lacked a unified stance on e-cigarette safety. CONCLUSION: The lack of consensus among health officials could have public health consequences, possibly resulting in the formulation of uninformed policies.