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IntroductionCOVID-19 is an unprecedented pandemic experience that affects the whole world. During an outbreak, every individual is expected to react responsibly, in a timely manner, with integrity and added with scientific evidence to support action. However, the extent of individuals’ reaction and action is influenced by the information that they received. Objective This study aims to explore how people interact with information with regards to the COVID-19 outbreak. ResultsThree main themes emerged from the information domain which are: gathering information, appraising information, and sharing information. These themes explain the cycle of receiving and sharing information during an outbreak. At first, when a person receives information both from formal and informal sources, he/she starts to appraise the information. This process includes evaluating the quality and quantity of information, which later on results in trusting formal source of information and condemning false information (fake news). After the evaluating process, he/she reacts towards information by circulating them and this becomes a continuation cycle. Nevertheless, there are also people who share the information without evaluating them. Discussion / ConclusionWhen an outbreak occurs, stakeholders must be ready to provide accurate and reliable information to help people make the best possible decisions for their health and well-being. Spreading of information is contributed by many stakeholders, including individuals who have abundant of information at their fingertips. Therefore, our study shows the importance of sharing information that drives social behaviour to support public action during an outbreak. This is also in line with one of the pillars in WHO Guidelines to support Country Preparedness and Response Plan (CPRP) stating that risk communication and community engagement on a regular basis is critical in managing COVID-19. |
