Differences in the Preferences of Information Sources Between COVID-19 Pandemic and Earthquakes Among Young People in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate earthquake-related and COVID-19 pandemic-related information sources of young people and whether there is a difference in the preferences of information sources regarding COVID-19 pandemic and earthquake measures in Istanbul, Turkey. Methods: This study was descriptive. The study was conducted among university students in Istanbul. A total of 282 students participated in the study. McNemar’s test was used to compare the differences between information sources of earthquake and COVID-19 measures. Results: Although there was no significant difference between taking earthquake and COVID-19 measures in the study, there were statistically significant differences between the information sources related to earthquake and COVID-19 except non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and newspapers. While Internet, activities at school/neighborhood/workplace, and TV were the top three sources of information about earthquake measures, TV, Internet, and social media were the top three sources of information about COVID-19 measures. The reasons of preferences of information sources were similar. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant difference between the information sources related to earthquake and COVID-19 except NGOs and newspapers. The study revealed that the types of information sources change depending on earthquake and COVID-19. Resource preferences should be analyzed well, and risk communication should be carried out effectively. Providing easy, understandable information is important for both hazards.