Youth perspectives on information and trust during COVID-19: evidence from Egypt.

Abstract

Introduction: The detrimental effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic have significantly changed the world's view on enacting policies. Egypt has adopted various protocols and measures to control the spread of its causative virus, SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to examine the public trust in decision-makers and help address possible gaps between the sources of information, theoretical guidelines, implementation, and the confidence of youth in response to the pandemic by the main actors involved.

Methods: An online structured cross-sectional survey was conducted among Egyptian youth during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire collected variables, including socio-demographic characteristics, sources of information, and the respondent's confidence in these sources.

Results: Out of 406 online respondents, males and females represented, 41.8% and 58.6%, respectively. Ninety-five percent of the respondents received a university or postgraduate education, of which 63.5% were in the medical field, and 82.3% lived in rural areas. Over forty percent reported their source of information was T.V., and 30.3% relied on social media, despite most of the respondents being unconfident in both. In addition, 12.8% and 5.9% reported that their source of information was the Ministry of Health and the WHO, respectively. Over seventy-seven percent of the respondents were concerned with the decisions taken by key actors in the pandemic situation, while 15% were neutral, and 5.4% were not concerned.

Conclusion: Infodemics is a substantial public health threat. Public health authorities and governments should take action to ensure comprehensive health information literacy and develop information technology strategies that promote access to evidence-based information.