Information and Misinformation of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Analysis of Local Perception in Delta State, Nigeria

A lot of misconceptions and misinformation are been circulated concerning COVID-19. This study was therefore designed to investigate the role, and impact of information and misinformation with regard to socio-demographic factor relative to knowledge, attitude and cultural belief of the people of Delta State. The study adopted an online survey about misinformation on COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigated social media such as Whatsapp, Twitter, Facebook; and physical interaction and their impact on misinformation of COVID-19 on misinformation and information. The structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. Finding of the study showed that overall 45% of the sample population had good knowledge of COVID-19 management practice. Significant difference was found between the demographic factor knowledge and practice of COVID-19 management procedure, hence the impact was felt in Delta State. Also, the level of information about COVID-19 was low, due to the impact of socio-demographic factor about COVID-19 in Delta State. The acceptability of such information about COVID-19 prevention protocols were hindered by misconceptions (socio-demographic factors) about COVID-19 information, hence orientation of the populace about COVID-19 education need to be enhanced in Delta State. It was concluded that the knowledge of COVID-19 was poor and the practice (prevention protocol) was also poor among the respondents. It was recommended that health programme planners should consider reorientation of the respondents against COVID-19.