JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The COVID-19 outbreak has tremendously impacted the world. The number of the confirmed cases has continued to increase, causing damage to the society and the economy worldwide. The public pays close attention to the information on the pandemic and learns about the disease through various media outlets. The dissemination of comprehensive and correct COVID-19 information that the public needs, helps educate people so they can take preventive measures.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the dissemination of COVID-19 information by analyzing the information released by the People’s Daily’s official WeChat account during the pandemic. The popular COVID-19 information in China was summarized, and the factors that influence information dissemination were studied to understand the characteristics that affect information dissemination. Moreover, this was done to identify how to effectively disseminate COVID-19 information and provide suggestions to manage public opinion and information governance during a pandemic.

Methods:

We collected all the COVID-19-related information starting with the first report from People’s Daily and ending with the last piece about lifting the first-level emergency response in 34 Chinese provinces. Then, a descriptive analysis was conducted on this information as well as Qingbo Big Data’s dissemination index. Multiple linear regression was utilized to study the factors that affected information dissemination based on various characteristics and the dissemination index.

Results:

From January 19 to May 2, 2020, the People’s Daily released 1,984 pieces of information; 1,621 were related to COVID-19, which mainly included headline news, emotional content, and issues related to the pandemic’s development. By analyzing the transmission index, seven information dissemination peaks were discerned. Among the three dimensions of COVID-19 information—media salience, content, and form—eight factors affected the spread of COVID-19 information.

Conclusions:

Different types of pandemic-related information have varying dissemination power. To effectively disseminate information and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we should identify the factors that affect it, and disseminate the types of information the public is most concerned about, use information to educate people to improve their health literacy, and improve the public opinion response and information governance. Clinical Trial: Not required.