May 03, 2023
The study attempts to describe the nature of COVID-19 online disinformation among Black Canadians and identify factors that contribute to the phenomenon. The analysis found distrust of healthcare systems, poor communication, cultural and religious factors and distrust of governments contributed to COVID-19 disinformation and misinformation in Black communities. The study suggests racism and underlying systemic discrimination increased the spread of disinformation and misinformation in Black communities across the country, which exacerbated health inequities. It suggests using collaborative interventions to understand challenges within the community to relay information about COVID-19 and vaccines could address vaccine hesitancy.