A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Social media information and its association with the adoption of COVID-19 preventive measures in four Latin American countries




AuthorsAbeldaño Zuñiga Roberto Ariel, Cruz Melendez Christian Arturo, Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin, Brown Brandon, El Tantawi Maha, Aly Nourhan M, Abeldaño Giuliana Florencia, Miranda Kessketlen Alven, Ara Eshrat, Ellakany Passent, Al-Khanati Nuraldeen Maher, Khan Abeedha Tu-Allah, Lawal Folake Barakat, Lusher Joanne, Nzimande Ntombifuthi P, Popoola Bamidele Olubukola, Virtanen Jorma I, Ndembi Nicaise, Nguyen Annie Lu

PublisherTaylor & Francis Inc

Publication year2023

JournalReview of Communication

Volume23

Issue3

First page 247

Last page262

eISSN1535-8593

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/15358593.2023.2174382


Abstract

The study aimed to assess the association between adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and access to media information related to COVID-19. A multicountry, cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted from June to December 2020. The sample included 1,457 participants from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. The outcome variable was self-reported adherence to preventive measures (handwashing, social distancing, self-isolation, use of face masks, and working from home). The explanatory variable was self-report of following media information related to COVID-19 (watching or reading the news, following social media coverage). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations. Following information on social media was positively associated with higher odds of practicing social distancing [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.39; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.93–7.30], self-isolation (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.08–1.92), use of face masks (AOR = 16.84; 95% CI: 10.03–28.27), handwashing (AOR = 6.95; 95% CI: 4.98–9.71), and working from home (AOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.43–2.41). Differences in the use of social media for COVID-19 information were observed among the four countries. Following social media was positively associated with adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in Latin America. Social media may be used effectively for COVID-19 behavior modification in Latin America.



Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 15:31