Avaliação sobre o papel da mı́dia na promoção da adesão às medidas de prevenção contra a Covid-19 na Cidade de Quelimane

Abstract

The demand for information during health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is high, and people tend to rely on different sources/media to obtain information. Various sources of information are available, including traditional media (television, newspapers), social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter ), as well as family, friends, and colleagues. This study aims to assess the role of the media in promoting preventive behaviors against COVID-19 and identify factors associated with perception of the media’s role in this promo- tion. Additionally, it seeks to study factors related to sources of information about COVID- 19 and sociocultural behaviors during the pandemic, particularly adherence to restrictive population mobility measures. This cross-sectional study used data from secondary sources and a questionnaire administered to 768 residents of Quelimane City, Mozambique, with the objective of investigating sociocultural behaviors and movement patterns of the population in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, linear, and logistic regression techniques. The results of this study revealed significant associations between sociodemographic va- riables and the use of different sources of information. It was observed that participants with higher levels of education tended to attribute greater importance to the media’s role in disseminating preventive behaviors. Furthermore, those who reported higher media ex- posure also valued its role more. Statistical analysis showed that participants’ education and media exposure play an important role in the perception of the media’s role in dis- seminating preventive behaviors. Additionally, participants’ marital status and use of the internet and social media were associated with the sources of information used. Individuals in relationships tended to use the internet and social media more as sources of information. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of the media in promoting preventive behaviors against COVID-19. Understanding the factors associated with perception and the use of different sources of information can support educational interventions and enhance the management of public health crises.