INTRODUCTION: Southeast Asia countries had been among the worst-hit countries by COVID-19. The misinformation was spread along with the increasing number of cases. This study aims to describe how Indonesians and Vietnamese behave in seeking information related to COVID-19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling technique (n=167). Targeted population was limited to 18 - 59 years of age. An online form was shared via WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram of each contributor. Data collected includes sociodemographic data (age, gender, marital status, educational background, occupation, and residences), and data on information seeking behaviour. Data was analysed using SPSS V.20.
RESULTS: Almost 95.70% of Indonesians and 89.20% of Vietnamese accessed the online information. A 75.68% Vietnamese and 46.24% Indonesians shared information with others, 59.14% of Indonesians and 20.3% of Vietnamese stated that they discussed the information with health workers.
CONCLUSION: Both countries have implemented proper online-based information. However, a good mass communication strategies were needed to protect people from the misinformation.
* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.