Roles of Mass Media in Shaping Knowledge and Perception Related to Covid-19

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging disease that has been creating global havoc. Since it was a newly emerged disease, only a little information was known at the initial phase. Later, correct information and prevention measures were provided throughout the globe via a different outlet, but the prevailing myths and misconceptions still followed.

Objective: To assess the role of mass media on knowledge and perception related to COVID-19 among the students.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the role of mass media in shaping the knowledge and perception related to COVID-19 among the students of Bharatpur, Chitwan. Samples were selected by using a stratified random sampling method and data was collected by using self-administered structured questionnaires and IBM SPSS was used for analysis in descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Out of the 103 respondents, 13.6% were male and 86.5% were females, 86.4 % were age more than 23years. Among which, 88.8% used mass media for obtaining information where 67.3% used it daily and the most preferable media was social media (70.4%). Similarly, 74.8% of respondents had fair knowledge, (15.5%) respondents had good knowledge, and 97.1% of the respondents had a positive perception regarding Covid-19. Respondent’s most preferable media (social media) was significantly associated with the level of knowledge of the respondents (p=0.047).

Conclusion: The study concludes that the respondents had positive perceptions, but the knowledge level was more fair knowledge and very limited good knowledge, which signifies that there is still a need for awareness programs, campaigns, and other educational interventions. 

Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 9, Issue-2: 75-82.