The Relationships among Media Usage Regarding COVID-19, Knowledge about Infection, and Anxiety: Structural Model Analysis
10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e426
- Author:
Yu-Ri LEE
1
;
Ju-Yeon LEE
;
In-Hoo PARK
;
Mina KIM
;
Min JHON
;
Ju-Wan KIM
;
Seunghyong RYU
;
Jae-Min KIM
;
Sung-Wan KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Social Welfare, Nambu University, Gwangju, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2020;35(48):e426-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:We examined the effects of mass media usage on people's level of knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), fear of infection, prejudice towards infected people, and anxiety level. In addition, we investigated whether knowledge about COVID-19 can reduce fear, prejudice, and anxiety.
Methods:We performed an anonymous online survey in 1,500 residents aged 19–65 years between April 24 and May 5 of 2020. Anxiety level was assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder-7 scale. We used a questionnaire to investigate COVID-19-related media use, knowledge about COVID-19, fear of infection, and prejudice towards infected people. We analyzed the relationships among the variables using the structural equation model.
Results:Media use had significant effects on fear of infection, prejudice against infected people, and anxiety. Knowledge about COVID-19 had a significant protective effect on fear of infection, prejudice against infected people, and anxiety. However, the effect of media use on knowledge about COVID-19 was not statistically significant. There was a partial mediating effect of prejudice against infected people and fear of infection on media usage and anxiety.
Conclusion:Our study demonstrated significant effects of mass media coverage regarding COVID-19 on fear, prejudice, and anxiety. While knowledge about COVID-19 could decrease fear, prejudice, and anxiety, the use of mass media did not enhance this knowledge. Medical societies should guide mass media reporting of COVID-19 and provide appropriate public education.
