Mitigating the Spread of Misinformation and Disinformation about COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment Initiatives among Hispanics

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Considerable evidence exists on the role misinformation and disinformation has played on COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and refusal at the general population level. There is less research on how misinformation and disinformation on social media affects COVID-19 perceptions by different ethnic groups, particularly Hispanics. This group has been the most affected by COVID-19 in the US, and includes a community where health disparities and inequitable gaps in social determinants of health prevail. Since Hispanics rely more on social media to obtain information on COVID-19 than any other ethnic group, it is imperative to expand research on mitigating the effect of misinformation and disinformation through these communication channels.The general objective of this proposal is to expand on earlier studies completed by the PI and co-investigators on appropriate, culturally sensitive, strategies to disseminate accurate information on COVID-19 prevention and treatments. We will pursue the overall objective through these specific aims: (1) develop a social network analysis model to estimate degree of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation consumed by the Hispanic community; (2) conduct focus group sessions with representative Hispanic community members; and (3) complete an economic impact analysis of proposed informational strategies for Hispanics. The study will take place in El Paso, Texas, and introduces several key innovations. First, development of a social network model to evaluate social media data in both English and Spanish, and considering social media platforms in the US and Mexico. We believe that Mexican social media traffic influences Hispanic populations in the US. Second, development of a longitudinal misinformation/disinformation index, which will allow estimating degrees of misinformation and disinformation impact over time and between ethnic groups. Third, implement a combination of focus groups across different Hispanic demographic groups which will: a) complement findings from the social network analysis model; b) obtain in-depth data on relevant social media channels; c) estimate changes on risk perception of COVID-19 emergencies; d) define risk attitudes post-vaccine; e) provide a scale on the degree of COVID-19 infection and prevention literacy; and f) forecast potential health attitude and behavior changes. Specific interest will be on including sessions targeting Hispanic women, elderly, and persons with chronic diseases, disabilities, and substance use disorders. Lastly, an economic impact analysis will provide program evaluation estimates based on potential intervention healthcare cost savings, and quality of life changes. This proposal provides innovative quantitative approaches to measure the effect of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation among Hispanics, and to help define appropriate, culturally sensitive, strategies to eliminate health disparities in this community. Our research team includes bilingual and bi-cultural specialists with profound knowledge of the Hispanic population in El Paso, and other similar communities in the country. This expertise will allow us to propose research models transferable to different regions and groups in the US, and other countries.