Factors associated with the myth about 5G network during COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background Background Globally, the conspiracy theory claiming 5G technology can spread the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is making the rounds on social media and this could have a significant effect in tackling the spread of the pandemic. This study investigated the impact of the myth that 5G technology is linked to COVID-19 pandemic among sub-Saharan Africans (SSA). Methods Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered on 2032 participants between April 18-May 16, 2020, corresponding to the mandatory lockdown period in some SSA countries (April 18-May 16, 2020). Participants were recruited via Facebook, WhatsApp, and authors' emails. The outcome measure was whether respondent believed that 5G technology was the cause of the coronavirus outbreak or not. Multiple logistic regression analyses using backward stepwise were used to examine the associated factors. Results Results About 7.3% of the participants believed that 5G technology was behind the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants from Central Africa reported the highest proportion (14.4%) while the lowest proportion (5.4%) was among those from Southern Africa. After adjusting for potential covariates in the multivariate analysis, Central Africans (adjusted odds ratio, AOR 2.12; 95% confidence interval, CI=1.20-3.75), females (AOR 1.86; 95% CI=1.20-2.84) and those who were unemployed at the time of this study (AOR 1.91; 95% CI=1.08-3.36) were more likely to believe in the myth that 5G technology was linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who felt that COVID-19 pandemic will not continue in their country were 1.59 times (95% CI=1.04-2.45) more likely to associate the 5G technology with COVID-19 compared to those who thought that the disease will remain after the lockdown. Participants who were younger were more likely to believe in the 5G technology myth but the association between level of education and belief that 5G technology was associated with COVID-19 which was significant in the univariate analysis (unadjusted odds ratio OR 1.69; 95CI =1.02, 2.80 =1.02, 2.80), was nullified after adjustments for all potential confounders. Conclusions Conclusions This study found that 7.4% of adult participants from SSA held the belief that 5G technology was linked to COVID-19 pandemic. Public health interventions including health education strategies to address the myth that 5G was linked COVID-19 pandemic in SSA are needed and such intervention should target participants who do not believe that COVID-19 pandemic will continue in their country, females, those that are unemployed and those from Central African countries in order to minimize further spread of the disease in the region.

Title: Risk Perception related to COVID-19 among Sub-Sahara Africans: A Web-based Comparative Survey of local and diaspora residents

“…Similar ndings have been reported in Ethiopia [48] showing that individuals who perceive higher risk are more likely to adopt protective measures, which in turn in uences the probability of infection [48,49]. However, the prevalence of misinformation about COVID-19 among SSA respondents [50] together with the immoderate psychological stress caused by these misinformation about COVID-19 due to the poor knowledge about the disease [31] can also lead to overestimation of negative risks or inaccurate risk judgement [29,51]. Hence, accurate information about the pandemic using the trusted media platforms, can help in accurate risk judgement and proper adoption of public health measures to control the spread of infection [31,52].…”

Risk perception of COVID-19 among sub-Sahara Africans: a web-based comparative survey of local and diaspora residents

“…Similar findings have been reported in Ethiopia [ 50 ], where individuals who perceived a higher risk were more likely to adopt protective measures, which in turn influences the probability of infection [ 50 , 51 ]. However, the prevalence of misinformation about COVID-19 among SSA respondents [ 52 ], together with the psychological stress caused by themisinformation about COVID-19 due to the poor knowledge about the disease [ 28 ], are potential sources of reduced risk perception in this sub region. These would lead to increased transmissions and mortality.…”

Differences in Perceived Risk of Contracting SARS-CoV-2 during and after the Lockdown in Sub-Saharan African Countries

“…Table 1 provides details about the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and health status. The questionnaire included a brief overview of the context, purpose, procedures, nature of participation, privacy and confidentiality statements, and notes to be filled out [ 20 ].…”