Yu Ri Lee1,2, Ju Yeon Lee2,3, In Hoo Park2, Mina Kim2, Min Jhon3, Ju Wan Kim3, Seunghyong Ryu3, Jae Min Kim3, Sung Wan Kim2,4. 1. Department of Social Welfare, Nambu University, Gwangju, Korea. 2. Gwangju Mental Health and Welfare Commission, Gwangju, Korea. 3. Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. 4. Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. swkim@chonnam.ac.kr.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We examined the effects of mass media usage on people's level of knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), fear of infection, prejudice towards infected people, and anxiety level. In addition, we investigated whether knowledge about COVID-19 can reduce fear, prejudice, and anxiety. METHODS: We performed an anonymous online survey in 1,500 residents aged 19-65 years between April 24 and May 5 of 2020. Anxiety level was assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder-7 scale. We used a questionnaire to investigate COVID-19-related media use, knowledge about COVID-19, fear of infection, and prejudice towards infected people. We analyzed the relationships among the variables using the structural equation model. RESULTS: Media use had significant effects on fear of infection, prejudice against infected people, and anxiety. Knowledge about COVID-19 had a significant protective effect on fear of infection, prejudice against infected people, and anxiety. However, the effect of media use on knowledge about COVID-19 was not statistically significant. There was a partial mediating effect of prejudice against infected people and fear of infection on media usage and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated significant effects of mass media coverage regarding COVID-19 on fear, prejudice, and anxiety. While knowledge about COVID-19 could decrease fear, prejudice, and anxiety, the use of mass media did not enhance this knowledge. Medical societies should guide mass media reporting of COVID-19 and provide appropriate public education.
BACKGROUND: We examined the effects of mass media usage on people's level of knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), fear of infection, prejudice towards infectedpeople, and anxiety level. In addition, we investigated whether knowledge about COVID-19 can reduce fear, prejudice, and anxiety. METHODS: We performed an anonymous online survey in 1,500 residents aged 19-65 years between April 24 and May 5 of 2020. Anxiety level was assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder-7 scale. We used a questionnaire to investigate COVID-19-related media use, knowledge about COVID-19, fear of infection, and prejudice towards infectedpeople. We analyzed the relationships among the variables using the structural equation model. RESULTS: Media use had significant effects on fear of infection, prejudice against infectedpeople, and anxiety. Knowledge about COVID-19 had a significant protective effect on fear of infection, prejudice against infectedpeople, and anxiety. However, the effect of media use on knowledge about COVID-19 was not statistically significant. There was a partial mediating effect of prejudice against infectedpeople and fear of infection on media usage and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated significant effects of mass media coverage regarding COVID-19 on fear, prejudice, and anxiety. While knowledge about COVID-19 could decrease fear, prejudice, and anxiety, the use of mass media did not enhance this knowledge. Medical societies should guide mass media reporting of COVID-19 and provide appropriate public education.
Authors: Hojun Lee; Yeseul Noh; Ji Young Seo; Sang Hee Park; Myoung Haw Kim; Seunghee Won Journal: J Korean Med Sci Date: 2021-11-29 Impact factor: 2.153
Authors: Luciana D Garlisi-Torales; Telmo Raúl Aveiro-Róbalo; Renzo Felipe Carranza Esteban; Oscar Mamani-Benito; Martín A Vilela-Estrada; Víctor Serna-Alarcón; Alexandra I Kam-Artime; Sheila E Garcia-Aldama; Dennis Arias-Chávez; J Franco Rodriguez-Alarcón; Christian R Mejia Journal: Heliyon Date: 2022-09-22