Battling Misinformation: Poll Reveals Americans' Struggle with Health Misinformation Amidst COVID-19

The pervasive spread of health misinformation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to pose challenges for the American public. A recent poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) underscores the persistent encounter with health misinformation and the ensuing uncertainty about its accuracy among Americans. The survey, which focused on COVID-19, reproductive health, and gun violence, sheds light on the prevalence of false claims and the sources from which individuals receive health-related information.

The KFF poll involved over 2,000 adults and assessed their awareness of 10 false health claims. The findings revealed that approximately 4 in 10 participants reported encountering each false statement. These erroneous statements covered topics related to COVID-19, reproductive health, and gun violence.

One alarming statistic highlighted the uncertainty surrounding misinformation. When faced with the assertion that "More people have died from the COVID-19 vaccines than from the COVID-19 virus," 20 percent of respondents considered it definitely or probably true, while only 47 percent labeled it as definitely false.

The survey extended its focus to reproductive health and gun violence. Notably, only 30 percent of participants confidently recognized the false statement that "Sex education including information about contraception and birth control increases the likelihood that teens will be sexually active." Similarly, only 22 percent of respondents correctly identified the falsity of the claim that "People with firearms at home are less likely to be killed by a gun than those without firearms."

The findings unveiled a pattern of uncertainty, with many participants classifying these claims as either "probably true" or "probably false," rather than definitively accurate or false.

The survey assessed the sources from which Americans gather health-related information and the levels of trust placed in these sources. The findings demonstrated that people held the most trust in their doctors, with 93 percent of respondents expressing confidence in them for health information and recommendations. Local TV news stations followed, with 81 percent expressing some level of trust.

Interestingly, the poll revealed differences based on media preferences. Individuals who relied on Newsmax, OANN, Fox News, or social media for health information were more likely to have encountered false COVID-19 claims. Moreover, those who frequently used social media platforms to find health information were more inclined to believe certain false statements.

RELATED READING: How Journalists Can Fight Back Against Medical Misinformation