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Disparities in COVID-19 Information Sources and Knowledge in South Korea

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  • Sou Hyun Jang

    (Department of Sociology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea)

Abstract

Applying Dervin’s sense-making theory, this study aims to examine the factors associated with the numbers and types of COVID-19 information sources, and the association between information sources and knowledge during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. An online survey was conducted among adults (19–69 years old) in December 2020. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and logistic regression were conducted to examine (1) the associated factors with the numbers and types of COVID-19 information sources, and (2) whether the number and types of COVID-19 information sources predict the correct COVID-19 knowledge. On average, the participants utilized five different sources to find COVID-19 information. The information need was related to the number and type of information sources, while the information barrier was only related to the number of sources. Participants who utilized more sources and who utilized online sources were more likely to possess the correct knowledge regarding COVID-19 while utilizing the government website; however, doctors, as a source, were negatively related to COVID-19 knowledge. There should be more support for individuals with lower socioeconomic status, as they tend to look for fewer sources, while finding more sources is positively related to better COVID-19 knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Sou Hyun Jang, 2022. "Disparities in COVID-19 Information Sources and Knowledge in South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:9:p:5198-:d:801496
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anna Kłak & Jolanta Grygielska & Małgorzata Mańczak & Ewelina Ejchman-Pac & Jakub Owoc & Urszula Religioni & Robert Olszewski, 2022. "Online Information of COVID-19: Visibility and Characterization of Highest Positioned Websites by Google between March and April 2020—A Cross-Country Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-26, January.
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