Use of information sources in Covid-19 pandemic and its relation with knowledge and anxiety

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. Production of useful information during a pandemic is a key element of outbreak control strategies. Aim. As no study has yet examined what information sources were used in the COVID-19 pandemic and how the use of information sources is related to knowledge and anxiety, this research tries to fill the research gap. Material and methods. We conducted an explorative study among 7,764 Slovenian population to assess the use of information sources, knowledge, and anxiety, and determine the relationship between different information sources and knowledge and anxiety in lay public in Slovenia during the pandemic of COVID-19. Results. A combination of unregulated internet-based information sources and regulated ones were frequently used information sources. The Internet as the main source was more used by younger and more educated individuals. Traditional mass media and religious organizations were more frequently used by older participants, while friends and/or relatives and/or colleagues and natural therapist by younger participants. Results also show that greater anxiety is associated with the greater need for information. Conclusion. Informing people should not primarily be based on the traditional interpersonal communication between a doctor and patients, other face-to-face communication or the use of printed information, but rather on regulated and unregulated websites, social media, and TV.