Vargas Andre L, Souza Larissa Pv, Paes Lauryne Mbr, Dias Raleigh P, Marotti Thiago F, Louvain de Souza Thais, De Andrade Inez Barcellos
Faculdade de Medicina de Campos, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil.
Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil.
J Infect Dev Ctries. 2024 Dec 31;18(12.1):S282-S288. doi: 10.3855/jidc.20005.
Despite efforts by health organizations to share evidence-based information, fake news hindered the promotion of social distancing and vaccination during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study analyzed COVID-19 knowledge and practices in a vulnerable area in northern Rio de Janeiro, acknowledging the influence of the complex social and economic landscape on public health perceptions.
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Novo Eldorado - a low-income, conflict-affected neighborhood in Campos dos Goytacazes - using a structured questionnaire, following the peak of COVID-19 deaths in Brazil (July-December 2021). Statistical tests were used to delineate profiles and evaluate knowledge and preventive behaviors associated with COVID-19.
This study involved a cohort of 156 participants, predominantly women (74%), with an average age of 53 years. Almost half of the participants were identified as single (48%), and more than half had not completed elementary school. Notably, 68% believed they were well-informed about COVID-19. The answers to the questionnaire revealed that the majority correctly identified severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a virus (65%); 72% recognized fever or cough as the main symptoms; and 71% recognized the importance of wearing masks. The overall mean score of the study was 7.628 (SD 1.583047). Social networks, especially 'WhatsApp' (65%), were the primary information sources. Those using social media or WhatsApp had higher knowledge scores (8.000 vs. 7.000, p = 0.0064).
Involving marginalized communities and using social media to disseminate accurate information and trust in science is necessary to tackle COVID-19 challenges.
尽管卫生组织努力分享循证信息，但在2019年冠状病毒病（COVID-19）大流行期间，虚假新闻阻碍了社交距离措施的推广和疫苗接种。本研究分析了里约热内卢北部一个脆弱地区的COVID-19知识和实践情况，认识到复杂的社会和经济状况对公众健康认知的影响。
这项横断面研究在新埃尔多拉多开展，该地是坎波斯-杜斯戈伊塔卡泽斯一个受冲突影响的低收入社区，在巴西COVID-19死亡人数达到峰值（2021年7月至12月）后，使用结构化问卷进行调查。采用统计测试来描绘特征，并评估与COVID-19相关的知识和预防行为。
本研究涉及156名参与者，其中大多数为女性（74%），平均年龄53岁。近一半参与者为单身（48%），超过一半未完成小学教育。值得注意的是，68%的人认为自己对COVID-19了如指掌。问卷答案显示，大多数人正确将严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2（SARS-CoV-2）识别为一种病毒（65%）；72%的人认识到发热或咳嗽是主要症状；71%的人认识到戴口罩的重要性。该研究的总体平均分为7.628（标准差1.583047）。社交网络，尤其是“WhatsApp”（65%），是主要信息来源。使用社交媒体或WhatsApp的人知识得分更高（8.000对7.000，p = 0.0064）。
让边缘化社区参与并利用社交媒体传播准确信息和对科学的信任，对于应对COVID-19挑战至关重要。
