COVID-19 and Misinformation in Egypt: An In-Depth Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to global public health, with misinformation emerging as a significant barrier to effective crisis management. This comprehensive study examines the prevalence, dissemination, and impact of COVID-19-related misinformation in Egypt. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from extensive surveys with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews. The study scrutinizes the proliferation of misinformation across various channels, focusing particularly on social media platforms, and evaluates its effects on public health measures, vaccine acceptance, and overall public perception. Findings indicate that misinformation significantly undermined public trust in health authorities, contributed to widespread confusion, and fostered hesitancy regarding COVID-19 prevention and treatment strategies. This paper aims to provide a thorough understanding of the misinformation landscape in Egypt during the pandemic and offers evidence-based recommendations for combating false information in future public health crises.