Impact of conspiracy beliefs on Covid-19 fear and health protective behavior: a case of university students

Purpose This study investigated the impact of conspiracy beliefs on fear of Covid-19 and health protective behavior of university students in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted at three universities in Punjab (e.g. two public sectors and one private sector) with permission from concerned authorities for data collection. A total of 374 responses were received that were analyzed by applying both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings The results indicated the prevalence of conspiracy beliefs and fear of Covid-19 among university students of two public sector universities and one private sector university. Furthermore, the conspiracy beliefs of university students predicted their fear of Covid-19. However, conspiracy beliefs did not predict the health protective behavior of university students. Research limitations/implications These results had serious implications for public health in Pakistan demonstrating the critical need for health education and promotion as individual preparedness along with system preparedness is essential to combat Covid-19 pandemic and infodemic. These results are useful for policymakers, healthcare professionals, university administration and library staff for making evidence-based decisions toward health education and promotion related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Originality/value It is hoped that the present study would make an invaluable contribution to existing research on promotional health in general and the role of conspiracy beliefs in putting public health at risk in particular as limited studies have been published so far.

Automated summary

The study found a prevalence of conspiracy beliefs and fear of Covid-19 among university students in Pakistan, with conspiracy beliefs predicting fear but not health protective behavior. The findings underline the importance of health education and promotion in combating the Covid-19 pandemic and infodemic for public health in Pakistan.