The Scope of Infodemics in Cameroon: Misinformation, Digital Literacy and Determinants

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DOI: 10.21522./TAJMHR.2016.05.02.Art030

Authors : Epie Kepche Gerard, Tendongfor Nicholas, Anweh Vera Njangz

Abstract:

The COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola outbreaks have demonstrated how infodemics and misinformation affect population health decision making, which in turn negatively affects public health interventions. Six regions of Cameroon were purposely selected to reflect the country’s conflict dynamics as well as its cultural, linguistic and religious diversity. A total of 1439 participants 18 years and above were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The analysis examined misinformation exposure across multiple health topics, digital literacy levels and behavior responses. Three composite indices were constructed: the Infodemic Exposure index, the Digital Literacy Index, and the Misinformation Behavior Index. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models identified key determinants of digital literacy and susceptibility to misinformation. The mean infodemic exposure score was 0.389, indicating moderate exposure to conflicting health information. Despite this, 70% of participants reported engaging in harmful health behavior due to misinformation. The digital literacy score was 0.397(0-1). Higher education, higher income and trust in official sources were positively associated with digital literacy, while living in rural areas, unemployment and peripheral information processing routes were negatively associated. Digital literacy was inversely associated with susceptibility to misinformation (β= - 0.052, p< 0.050) and susceptibility to misinformation also predicted lower digital literacy (β= -0.078, p< 0.050). These findings suggest that infodemic affects several health topics simultaneously out of crisis periods. Infodemic management and surveillance should be integrated into routine health systems. Strengthening digital literacy may support public health communication and interventions in Cameroon.

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