Y S Zhao, Q Q Wu, S Y Xu, L Wang, H Liu, D M Yao, Z Q Di, X Y Tian
[Understanding the risk factors for infectious diseases, their prevention, and control, among residents of Zhejiang Province]
Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese journal of preventive medicine]
emergence covid19 pandemic towards end 2019 triggered relentless spread online misinformation significantly impacted societal stability public perception effectiveness measures prevent control epidemic understanding complex dynamics characteristics determine duration rumors crucial effective management response urgent requirement study takes survival analysis method analyze covid19 rumors comprehensively rigorously primary aim clarify distribution patterns key determinants persistence exploration aim contribute development robust rumor management strategies thereby reducing adverse effects misinformation ongoing pandemic dataset utilized research sourced tencents jiao zhen verification platforms realtime debunking novel coronavirus pneumonia system gathered total 754 instances rumors january 18 2020 january 17 2023 duration rumor ascertained using baidu search engine analyze rumors survival analysis techniques applied study focused examining various factors might influence rumors longevity including theme content emotional appeal credibility source mode presentation studys results indicate rumors lifecycle postemergence typically progresses three distinct phases initial rapid decline phase 025 days followed stable phase 251000 days ultimately extinction phase beyond 1000 days observed half rumors fade within first 25 days average duration approximately 26015 days compared baseline category prevention treatment rumors risk dissipation markedly higher categories policy measures rumors 358 times likely perish virus information rumors 052 times higher risk epidemic situation rumors 486 times likely die social current affairs rumors face 202 times increased risk additionally comparison wish rumors bogie rumors aggression rumors 026 027 times higher risks dying respectively terms presentation graphical video rumors share similar dissolution risks whereas textual rumors tend longer survival time interestingly credibility rumors source significantly impact longevity survival time rumors strongly linked content theme emotional appeal whereas credibility source format presentation auxiliary influence study recommends government agencies adopt specific strategies counter rumors experts scholars encouraged take active role spreading health knowledge important public proactively seek trustworthy sources accurate information media platforms advised maintain journalistic integrity verify accuracy information guide public towards improved media literacy actions collectively foster collaborative alliance government media effectively combating misinformation