Trust in health information sources and its associations with COVID-19 disruptions to social relationships and health services among people living with HIV

Abstract

Background SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) is potentially severe for individuals with compromised immune systems, including people living with HIV. Along with the direct health threats of COVID-19, there are disruptions to social relationships and health services resulting from mitigation efforts instituted by public health authorities. This study examined the relationship between trust in the government and trust in COVID-19 health information from the US CDC, state health departments, and social media on the experience of COVID-19 social and health services-related disruptions. Methods People living with HIV (N = 459) recruited through social media advertisements and chain referrals completed confidential surveys delivered through an online platform. Results Participants experienced high-levels of disruptions to social relationships and health services attributable to COVID-19 mitigation efforts. We also observed high-rates of inaccurate information and low-levels of trust in government and sources of COVID-19 information. Greater disruptions to social relationships were predicted by more concern about oneself and others contracting COVID-19, whereas disruptions to health services were predicted by greater concern for oneself contracting COVID-19, greater general medical mistrust, and less trust in information from the CDC. Conclusions Findings have implications for the necessity of rebuilding public trust in credible sources of health information and stepping up efforts to counter sources of inaccurate information.

COVID-19 Burden on HIV Patients Attending Antiretroviral Therapy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

“…Containment measures of COVID-19 taken in Ethiopia had a significant contribution to halting the spread of COVID-19 in Ethiopia; however, they had their own implications on HIV care and treatment services as the response from the patients with HIV as indicated. Transport disruption, partial lockdown that impaired mobility, and income reduction were significant factors in missing health care visits, which was in agreement with previous studies conducted in Ethiopia (13,42), and elsewhere in the world (43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49)(50) that the COVID-19 containment measure had a significant impact on patients' access to healthcare facilities. Undue expenses related to protective equipment, including face masks and sanitizers, were a burden for the people living with HIV.…”

The mediational role of trust in the healthcare system in the association between generalized trust and willingness to get COVID-19 vaccination in Iran

“…However, it may start with listening to individuals’ concerns and reassuring them of professional work, providing accurate information, and serving selflessly. 20 , 33 , 43 , 44 This finding is similar to previous studies 35–37 although one study reported contrary findings. 34 …”

“… 27 , 30–32 Re-building or improving generalized trust may be needed in the case of poor COVID-19 vaccine uptake through honest and sincere conversation between officials and individuals (where individuals’ views are considered) although that may take a considerable time to accomplish. 24 , 25 , 43 , 44 …”

Attitudes Towards Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine and Sources of Information Across Diverse Ethnic Groups in the UK: a Qualitative Study

“…Low trust in government advice and recommendations due to its perceived handling of the pandemic and changing COVID-19 messaging was identified as a potential barrier to vaccine acceptability and uptake in our study and others [21] [22]. The link between mistrust in a COVID-19 vaccine and mistrust in government was found to be more pronounced among some minority ethnic participants in a small qualitative study amongst UK HCPs, particularly Black African, Black Caribbean and other Black groups[23].…”