COVID-19-related conspiracy beliefs and their determinants among 18 to 45 years old: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

The existence of conspiracy beliefs has been previously linked to multiple individual traits and factors, such as anxiety, lack of information, education, and social factors. This study aims to explore the factors and variables influencing the individual's susceptibility to conspiratorial thinking, as well as the impact of COVID-19 conspiracy belief on the adoption of public health and social measures. This study explores the factors influencing the susceptibility to conspiratorial thinking and the impact of conspiracy theories on the adoption of public health and social measures. A sample of university students, fresh-graduates, and mid-career professionals between the age of 18 to 45 years old completed an online survey measuring COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs and stress levels. A total of 2417 completed a survey targeting COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, perceived stress, and demographic information. The results show that COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs were related to education, unemployment, and COVID-19 level of exposure. Meanwhile, conspiracy beliefs had no relation to the individual's perceived self-reported stress. Higher conspiracy scores were related to lower adoption of preventive measures and increased hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination. Lack of knowledge and misinformation actions play a vital role in the generation of conspiracy theories surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Structural racism and health in the age of COVID‐19: A selective review with policy implications

“…Prejudicial attitudes are more likely to spread in communities whose residents have lower levels of education and face more stress (Oliver & Mendelberg, 2000). Similarly, data suggest that COVID‐19‐related conspiracy beliefs are also more likely to spread among individuals with less education (Al‐Qudah et al., 2022; Karić & Međedović, 2021). Countermessaging to address misinformation and prejudice may need to account for the existing stress levels and educational backgrounds of the intended audience.…”

Talking about the Vaccine after the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study among Youth in Turkey and Ethical Issues

“…The questionnaire, which was designed based on the literature [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ], included the following subtitles: “sociodemographic characteristics”, “psycho-social situation during the pandemic”, “evaluation of health services and health policies during the pandemic”, “outlook on the COVID-19 vaccine”, and “evaluation of predictions about life and health after the pandemic”. While some of the survey questions required “yes” or “no” answers, some were multiple choice, and others required responses using a 5-point Likert scale.…”