Information to the Population About COVID-19 in the First Year of the Pandemic: Case Study on the Portal of the Health Department of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil

Objective: To analyze the risk communication about the COVID-19 pandemic carried out on the website of the Health Department of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. Theoretical Framework: Risk communication in public health emergencies, according to the WHO guideline for policy and practice of this health communication in crises. Method: Qualitative study, focused on the content analysis of the publications made on the website of the Health Department of Campina Grande, Paraíba, from March 2020 to December 2021. Results and Discussion: The Health Department of Campina Grande, Paraíba, effectively used its website to disseminate information about the COVID-19 pandemic, such as social isolation measures and partial lockdown in areas with a high incidence of cases; sanitary barriers to monitor symptoms and control circulation; the installation of a field hospital, expansion of testing in Basic Health Units and distribution of masks and hygiene kits in vulnerable areas. The most frequent words on the portal in 2022 were “pandemic”, “mask” and “coronavirus”, in daily updates, guidelines on prevention measures, service protocols, decrees and restrictions, education and awareness and vaccination campaign at the end of the year. Research Implications: There was publication of accurate and accessible information, publication of administrative acts, positive culture in public health and, therefore, these actions demonstrate a significant effort by the Campina Grande Health Department to use digital communication to face the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with the UN guideline. However, it was observed that in terms of clarity, some messages used technical terms that may have made it difficult for less educated audiences to understand. The portal did not provide accessible versions for people with visual impairments. Originality/Value: This study contributes to demonstrating that during the pandemic, the Campina Grande Health Department portal was an essential tool for residents of Campina Grande-PB in a practical and accessible way, with constant updates, disseminating information on the progress of the disease, vaccination campaigns and preventive measures, such as the use of masks and social distancing, with potential contribution to the implementation of preventive measures and adherence to vaccination. It is suggested that there could be greater accessibility for people with less education and sensory disabilities.