University Students’ Exposure to COVID-19 Information on Social Media and Adherence to Health Protocols

Abstract

Due to the continuous threat of COVID-19 to people's health, eHealth literacy among social media users increased as news and information abound online. Anchored on Cultivation Theory (Gerbner, 1976), this study aimed to determine the level of exposure to COVI D-19 information on social media of university students from llocos in Northern Philippines and its relationship to knowledge, anxiety, and adherence to health protocols. Using the survey research design, 192 respondents completed an online survey.

Results revealed that university students had a high level of exposure to COVID-19 news and updates available in social media. A significant positive relationship (0.494) was established between exposure and knowledge about COVID- 19 information. However, relationship between exposure and anxiety was not significant even if there were physiological manifestations like inability to relax, nervousness, being terrified or afraid, unsteadiness, being scared, and fearing the worst happening registered among respondents. On the other hand, a negative significant relationship was seen between exposure and adherence to health protocols. This implies that as exposure increases, the propensity to follow health protocols decreases and vice-versa. These results are corroborated by various media effects which point to diverging consequences of social media exposure complemented by values and characteristics of the llocanos who have their own local health remedies and adaptation mechanisms as traits of being resilient.

Overall, this study highlights the huge role that social media plays in disseminating information about the current COVID-19 pandemic. Too much information may have caused confusion that left users to ponder on what needs to be done. Thus, more scientists and medical doctors should be encouraged to contribute o public policy discussions to better address COVID-19. It is also recommended that the cultural background of the target audience for health risk communication efforts be considered in formulating, implementing, and assessing compliance to protocols.