Objective The proliferation of false information on COVID-19 mostly through social media is adversely affecting control efforts. The objective of this study was to identify areas where targeted effective messaging can be useful in demystifying misinformation against COVID-19. Results The study showed high levels of misinformation on COVID-19 in the study area [mean score 2.71; standard deviation (SD) 1.5]. The highest levels of misinformation were observed in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district, North West province (mean score: 3.84; SD: 2.1) and Sedibeng district, Gauteng province (mean score: 3.56; SD 1.7). Higher levels of misinformation were reported by those aged 18–24 years (mean score: 3.48; SD: 1.8), and men (mean score: 2.73; SD: 1.8). Across the two provinces, we identified geospatial hot and coldspots of misinformation highlighting the need to implement point of care strategies such as targeted messaging. Findings showed the need for targeted interventions to young people, students, those with low levels of education and the self-employed in the two districts more importantly, as South Africa expands its nationwide vaccination roll-out. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-021-05886-0.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, South Africa, misinformation, geospatial, targeted interventions, 【초록키워드】 vaccination, point of care, media, information, targeted intervention, proliferation, Standard deviation, supplementary material, North, West, finding, men, objective, effective, Result, highest, identify, reported, affecting, expand, highlighting,