COVID-19 according to the conceptions of students of basic education in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil

Abstract

This work investigated the basic knowledge of basic education students regarding the symptoms, transmission, prevention, and fake news associated with COVID-19. The study was conducted with students of basic education in the city of Belém, state of Pará, through an online questionnaire. 217 students participated: they obtained information from COVID-19 through school, television, friends, and social networks. They were reporting as symptoms: difficulty breathing, cough, sore throat. Transmission: sneezing, coughing, and contact with people already infected. Prevention: Wash your hands with soap and water, avoid crowding, cover your nose and mouth when coughing. Regarding fake news, they obtained information via the internet, social networks, and conversations with family members. They verify the veracity of the information, believe that fake news can harm the economy, create chaos in the public health system, distort real news, and generate panic. Its disclosure can bring harm to the general population. Therefore, we believe that students can contribute to the awareness of family and friends about COVID-19 and fake news.