Measurement, Characterization, and Mapping of COVID-19 Misinformation in Spain: Cross-Sectional Study.

Journal: JMIR infodemiology
Published Date: Jun 16, 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by an unprecedented infodemic characterized by the widespread dissemination of misinformation. Globally, misinformation about COVID-19 has led to polarized beliefs and behaviors, including vaccine hesitancy, rejection of governmental authorities' recommendations, and distrust in health institutions. Thus, understanding the prevalence and drivers of misinformation is critical for designing effective and contextualized public health strategies.

Authors

  • Javier Alvarez-Galvez
    Computational Social Science DataLab (CS2 DataLab), University Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz), Spain.
  • Carolina Lagares-Franco
    Department of Statistic and Operative Research, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain.
  • Esther Ortega-Martin
    Computational Social Science DataLab (CS2 DataLab), University Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz), Spain.
  • Helena De Sola
    Department of General Economy (Sociology), University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain.
  • Antonio Rojas-García
    Department of Behavioural Science Methodology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
  • Paloma Sanz-Marcos
    Department of Marketing and Communication, University of Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
  • José Almenara-Barrios
    Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain.
  • Angelos P Kassianos
    Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
  • Ilaria Montagni
    Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Université de Bordeaux - Inserm, Bordeaux, France.
  • María Camacho-García
    Computational Social Science DataLab (CS2 DataLab), University Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz), Spain.
  • Maribel Serrano-Macías
    Computational Social Science DataLab (CS2 DataLab), University Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), University of Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz), Spain.
  • Jesús Carretero-Bravo
    Department of Quantitative Methods, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Seville, Spain.

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