Kristen Pickles|Erin Cvejic|Brooke Nickel|Tessa Copp|Carissa Bonner|Julie Leask|Julie Ayre|Carys Batcup|Samuel Cornell|Thomas Dakin|Rachael H Dodd|Jennifer Isautier|Kirsten McCaffery
COVID-19 Misinformation Trends in Australia: Prospective Longitudinal National Survey
University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney|University of Sydney
misinformation covid19 common spreading rapidly across globe social media platforms information systems understanding public knows covid19 identifying beliefs based misinformation help shape effective public health communications ensure efforts reduce viral transmission underminedthis study aimed investigate prevalence factors associated covid19 misinformation australia changes timethis prospective longitudinal national survey completed adults 18 years across april n4362 may n1882 june n1369 2020stronger agreement misinformation associated younger age male gender lower education level language english spoken home p01 controlling variables misinformation beliefs significantly associated p001 lower levels digital health literacy perceived threat covid19 confidence government trust scientific institutions analyses specific governmentidentified misinformation revealed 3 clusters prevention associated male gender younger age causation associated lower education level greater social disadvantage cure associated younger age lower institutional trust greater rejection official government accounts associated stronger agreement covid19 misinformationthe findings study highlight important gaps communication effectiveness must addressed ensure effective covid19 prevention