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Does Quality of Life Act as a Protective Factor against Believing Health Rumors? Evidence from a National Cross-Sectional Survey in China

Author

Listed:
  • Haixia Wang

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
    Equal contribution.)

  • Xiqian Zou

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
    Equal contribution.)

  • Kaisheng Lai

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China)

  • Weiping Luo

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China)

  • Lingnan He

    (School of Communication and Design, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Guangdong Key Laboratory for Big Data Analysis and Simulation of Public Opinion, Guangzhou 510006, China)

Abstract

A high quality of life (QoL), an individual’s subjective assessment of overall life condition, has been shown to have a protective effect against negative behaviors. However, whether QoL protects people from the harmful impact of health rumors is still unknown. In this study, a national survey in China (n = 3633) was conducted to explore the relationship between health rumor belief (HRB) and QoL, which includes physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. The results show that people with a poor perception of their physical health are more likely to believe health rumors. Additionally, those who had better self-reported satisfaction in social relationships were more susceptible to health rumors. Furthermore, women and older adults showed a greater belief in health rumors. This study expands upon our understanding of how people with different QoL levels interact with false health-related information. Based on health-rumor-susceptible groups, several essential online and offline strategies to govern health rumors are also proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Haixia Wang & Xiqian Zou & Kaisheng Lai & Weiping Luo & Lingnan He, 2021. "Does Quality of Life Act as a Protective Factor against Believing Health Rumors? Evidence from a National Cross-Sectional Survey in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4669-:d:544758
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Kaisheng Lai & Yingxin Yang & Yuxiang Na & Haixia Wang, 2022. "The Relationship between Bullshit Receptivity and Willingness to Share Misinformation about Climate Change: The Moderating Role of Pregnancy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-14, December.

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