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Article
Health communication needs for COVID-19 prevention and control among college students
Journal of American College Health
  • Ni Zhang, San Jose State University
  • Hsin Yi Tseng, San Jose State University
  • Jasmine Thai, San Jose State University
  • Pranuthi Pagidipati, San Jose State University
  • Chulwoo Park, San Jose State University
  • Nikita Madan, San Jose State University
  • Huda Assaf, San Jose State University
Publication Date
1-3-2023
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1080/07448481.2022.2155060
Abstract

Objectives: During the early COVID-19 pandemic, college students had to switch to an online learning and online communication environment facing the chances of information overload, misinformation or conflicting information about COVID-19. This study aims to assess the communication needs that have arisen among college students to shed light on the development of a health communication campaign tailored toward college students. Methods: A series of 10 focus group discussions were conducted with 38 total participants. Each group has 2-6 undergraduate or graduate student participants. Nvivo was used to analyze the transcripts. Results: The students reported that they received conflicting information or misinformation. They requested messages with language that was easy to understand with infographics while being culturally appropriate. They advocated for regular and concise email updates from campus leadership. Most participants also preferred COVID-19 control and prevention information on social media. Conclusion: This study revealed the current status and the needs for health information about COVID-19 prevention and control among college students.

Keywords
  • Channel,
  • college students,
  • COVID-19,
  • message,
  • receiver,
  • sender
Citation Information
Ni Zhang, Hsin Yi Tseng, Jasmine Thai, Pranuthi Pagidipati, et al.. "Health communication needs for COVID-19 prevention and control among college students" Journal of American College Health (2023)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/chulwoo-charles-park/39/