JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

There are multiple media platforms and various resources available on COVID-19. Identifying people’s preferences is key to building public confidence and planning for successful national health intervention strategies.

Objective:

This study examines the sources of information for COVID-19 used by the Malaysian public and identifies those that play an important role in building public confidence as well as positive perceptions toward the Malaysian government.

Methods:

A cross-sectional online survey of 4,850 Malaysian residents was conducted. Participant demographics, media use, information source, and attitudes surrounding COVID-19 were assessed. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to gauge the relationship between demographics, information source and attitudes toward COVID-19.

Results:

Malaysians primarily relied on television and Internet news portals for information on COVID-19. The Malaysian Ministry of Health was the most preferred source of COVID-19 information. Respondents who referred to the Ministry of Health, television and the Malaysian National Security Council had greater odds in believing that the country could win the battle against COVID-19 and that the government was handling the health crisis well. Those who used the World Health Organization, friends, YouTube, family and radio as the sources of information were less likely to harbor confidence and positive belief toward combating COVID-19.

Conclusions:

Managing information and sustaining public confidence is important in a pandemic. Health authorities should pay considerable attention to the use of appropriate media channels and sources to allow for more effective dissemination of critical information to the public.