%0 Journal Article
%@ 1438-8871
%I JMIR Publications
%V 22
%N 9
%P e19913
%T Perceptions, Knowledge, and Behaviors Related to COVID-19 Among Social Media Users: Cross-Sectional Study
%A Ali,Khawla F
%A Whitebridge,Simon
%A Jamal,Mohammad H
%A Alsafy,Mohammad
%A Atkin,Stephen L
%+ Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain, PO Box 15503, Adliya, Bahrain, 974 973 34611722, khawlafouad@hotmail.com
%K COVID-19
%K social media
%K public health
%K perception
%K knowledge
%K health information
%K health education
%K virus
%D 2020
%7 8.9.2020
%9 Original Paper
%J J Med Internet Res
%G English
%X Background: Social media is one of the most rapid and impactful ways of obtaining and delivering information in the modern era. Objective: The aim of this study was to rapidly obtain information on public perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors related to COVID-19 in order to identify deficiencies in key areas of public education. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, a survey web link was posted on the social media and messaging platforms Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp by the study investigators. Participants, aged ≥18 years, filled out the survey on a voluntary basis. The main outcomes measured were knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, protective measures against COVID-19, and source(s) of information about COVID-19. Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the effects of age, gender, underlying illness, and working or studying in the health care industry on the perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19 and getting vaccinated. Results: A total of 5677 subjects completed the survey over the course of 1 week. “Fever or chills” (n=4973, 87.6%) and “shortness of breath” (n=4695, 82.7%) were identified as the main symptoms of COVID-19. Washing and sanitizing hands (n=4990, 87.9%) and avoiding public places and crowds (n=4865, 85.7%) were identified as the protective measures most frequently used against COVID-19. Social media was the most utilized source for information on the disease (n=4740, 83.5%), followed by the World Health Organization (n=2844, 50.1%). Subgroup analysis revealed that younger subjects (<35 years), males, and those working or studying in health care reported a higher perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19, whereas older subjects, females, and those working or studying in non–health care areas reported a lower perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19. Similar trends were observed for vaccination against COVID-19, with older subjects, females, and those working or studying in non–health care sectors reporting a lower likelihood of vaccinating against COVID-19. Conclusions: Our results are indicative of a relatively well-informed cohort implementing appropriate protective measures. However, key knowledge deficiencies exist with regards to vaccination against COVID-19, which future efforts should aim at correcting. 
%M 32841153
%R 10.2196/19913
%U http://www.jmir.org/2020/9/e19913/
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/19913
%U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32841153