Knowledge and information credibility evaluation strategies regarding COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT: Highlights • Substantial misinformation circulates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.• Information credibility assessment skills are critical, particularly among nurses.• Nurses were found better able to discern credibility of information than laypersons.• Use of scientific criteria in evaluating conflicting information is scarce.• Science-based knowledge enhancement to validate quality of information is proposed. Background The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has not only caused significant challenges for health systems worldwide, but also fueled a surge in misinformation. Nurses as frontline health care providers should be equipped with the most accurate information on COVID-19. Purpose This study examines nurses’ knowledge and strategies of information credibility sourcing. Method A cross-sectional survey among nurses and laypersons with no health care background. The questionnaire dealt with knowledge and ability assess credibility of COVID-19 information. Findings Nurses' knowledge of COVID-19 preventative behaviors was significantly higher than that of laypersons; however, there was no difference in science-based knowledge of COVID-19. In contrast to laypersons, nurses in this study were better able to discern the credibility of health-related information about COVID-19 than laypersons. Yet they rarely used scientific criteria in evaluating conflicting information. Discussion Given the importance of assessing the credibility of information, both information literacy skills and science-based knowledge about COVID-19 should be offered.

SUBMITTER: Amit Aharon A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7494280 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature