Influence of conspiracy theories, misinformation and knowledge on public adoption of Nigerian government’s Covid-19 containment policies

Bibliographic Data

ID15554172
AuthorsIfeoma Theresa Amobi (0000-0003-4526-2373, University of Lagos, corresponding author), Lambe Kayode Mustapha (0000-0003-3535-7512, University of Ilorin), Lilian Adaora Udodi (0000-0001-8075-0933, University of Lagos), Oluwakemi Akinuliola-Aweda (0000-0001-9378-1392, University of Lagos), Mogbonjubade Esther Adesulure (0000-0002-5924-5614, University of Lagos), Innocent Chukwuemeka Okoye (0000-0002-6638-2051, Afe Babalola University)
Year2021
Volume13
Issue2
Pages269-285
Publication date2021-05-25
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of African Media Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1751-7974 • E-ISSN: 2040-199X
PublisherIntellect (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1386/jams_00048_1
OpenAlexW3164249385
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited10

This study examined the individual and collective influence of conspiracy theories, misinformation and knowledge revolving around COVID-19, on public adoption of the Nigerian government’s containment policies. The study adopted the Survey, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methods. For the survey, a sample of 466 respondents were drawn from Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp, while 24 participants were selected for the FGD. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic approach were used to analyse data generated from the study. Results revealed a COVID-19 conspiratorial thinking among survey respondents and FGD participants, who were also familiar with the orgy of unbridled dissemination of misinformation and conspiracy theories in the social media space. Majority of respondents were knowledgeable about government’s COVID-19 containment policies and were practicing the recommended safety measures. Their decision was influenced by trust in opinion leaders, especially family members and medical experts

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Focus group · Government (linguistics · Misinformation · Political science · Politics · Public opinion · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social media · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts · Law · Medicine · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Psychology · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

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