Is the information on infection prevention measures against COVID-19 reaching the target audience?

A research group led by Dr. Ayako Shiozawa of the Department of Collaborative Regional Infection Control, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, conducted a questionnaire survey involving eating and drinking services at Ota to assess whether information on infection prevention measures disseminated during COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic reached the target population appropriately. This study reveals the background of the target group, characteristics of their information-gathering behaviors and the challenges required of information providers. The results of this research were published on January 17, 2023, in Public Health in Practice, an international journal of public health.

Key points:

• Information on infection prevention measures against COVID-19 pandemic disseminated by various media may not be sufficiently reaching the target audience seeking to obtain information.
• Television was the most common source of information among eating and drinking services at Ota, with the rate of use exceeding that of guidelines (Fig. 1). Issues such as the information received being less specific and time-consuming to retrieve were identified. Furthermore, the internet and guidelines tended to be used less by those aged ≥ 60 years compared to those aged < 60 years.
• This study indicates the need for specific expressions and layouts to effectively share information on COVID-19. Also, special means of communication must be established to cater to individuals aged 60 and above, such as blended intervention with a combination of web- and paper-based tools.