![Researchers surveyed nearly 13,450 adults across the U.S. and found they were more likely to endorse misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccines, trust less hospitals, medical professionals, and scientists, and believe more in conspiracy theories. found that they are more likely to use unproven drugs. To treat the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).](https://img.ksl.com/slc/2838/283839/28383961.jpg?filter=kslv2/responsive_story_lg)
Researchers surveyed nearly 13,450 adults across the U.S. and found they were more likely to endorse misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccines, trust less hospitals, medical professionals, and scientists, and believe more in conspiracy theories. found that they are more likely to use unproven drugs. To treat the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). (Sawmyabrata Roy, Getty Images)
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TORONTO — One in 20 people infected with COVID-19 in the U.S. believed vaccine-related misinformation and used non-evidence-based treatments such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, according to a recent study. It turned out that it was.
The findings were shared in a study published Friday in JAMA Health Forum.
Researchers surveyed nearly 13,450 adults across the U.S. and found they were more likely to endorse misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccines, trust less hospitals, medical professionals, and scientists, and believe more in conspiracy theories. found that they are more likely to use unproven drugs. To treat the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
Of all study participants, 6% were using either the antiparasitic drug ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine, a drug to treat certain types of malaria and lupus, to treat COVID-19. reported.
The study’s survey was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 and included U.S. residents aged 18 and older who reported having previously been infected with COVID-19.
Researchers found that despite the US Food and Drug Administration condemning the use of these drugs to treat COVID-19, the number of prescriptions in the US, Canada and Australia declined during the first year of the pandemic. Shared the increase.
The study also found that respondents who said they trusted social media and Donald Trump were most likely to have taken ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine, while respondents who said they trusted doctors and hospitals were the least likely to have taken ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine. was also found to be low.
Of the participants, 2,461 out of 10,718 said they supported at least one piece of vaccine-related misinformation.
The study also showed that men, people with a college degree, people with higher incomes, and people of Hispanic descent were more likely to take ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine. Researchers say people over 65 are less likely to use non-evidence-based treatments.
“These results suggest that the potential harms of misinformation may extend beyond the avoidance of health-promoting behaviors such as vaccination to the use of ineffective and potentially toxic treatments. ” concluded the study.