Covid-19 infodemic in two citys in southern Brazil: a cross-sectional population-based study

Abstract

Objective: 1) to verify the prevalence of infodemics during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2) analyze associated behavioral and socioeconomic and demographic factors. Methods: Cross-sectional, population-based study carried out with a representative sample of two municipalities in southern Brazil. 2,170 individuals aged 18 years or over were interviewed from October 2020 to January 2021. Data collection was carried out in person at home using a questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of infodemic was 22% (CI95% : 18.8; 25.3), having been significantly higher among women, the elderly, individuals with less education and with the highest number of comorbidities.Staying at home longer, having had contact with someone infected and having lack of money to buy food were also associated with the infodemic The excessive search for information happened through television, radio and social networks. Conclusion: two out of every ten individuals were affected by the infodemic. Individuals who were more at home, poorer, with less years of education and with more comorbidities are more exposed to infodemics and it is noteworthy that official health agencies were not the main source of information.

Keywords: Infodemic; COVID-19; Quarantine; Mental health; Epidemiology