Covid-19 Misinformation and Compliance to Health Standards Among La Trinidad, Benguet Residents: A Descriptive Public Survey

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in the number of fake news and rumors about the virus. WHO labeled this a "global infodemic" since it has made it challenging to identify trustworthy sources leading to confusion and risk taking behaviors. With scant-related studies done in the locale, conducting a study on COVID-19 misinformation and individual responses would contribute to influencing residents to make informed choices in health and safety. This study determined the level of misinformation, and the individual responses in terms of believability, intent to correct the source and compliance to COVID-19 health standards. These individual responses were compared according to various demographical characteristics and correlated with the level of COVID-19 misinformation among the residents. The study employed a descriptive quantitative approach and a researcher devised survey tool called CMAT administered to La Trinidad, Benguet residents. Frequency, percentage, mean, T-test, Pearson, and ANOVA were utilized in the data treatment. The residents are slightly misinformed about COVID-19. The individual responses revealed partial believability, likely to correct the source of misinformation, and moderate compliance to MPHS. Older people tend to be susceptible to misinformation while those with higher educational attainment believe less. People who were willing to be and those actually vaccinated were more probable to comply with MPHS. Consumers of information are encouraged to be vigilant and critical in evaluating the information that can reach them by verifying with reliable sources such as the WHO and DOH for them to have sound decisions and safe practices regarding COVID-19. Strict monitoring in implementing the Anti-Cybercrime Law may be done by the DOJ and NBI, especially on the internet.