Overcoming the Challenge of Communicating the Concept and Science of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 to Non-Experts

Abstract

Recent studies show that inadequate knowledge and understanding about the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 by many people has contributed significantly to fueling the conspiracy theories and misinformation about the pandemic. This challenge further impacts people’s behavior against public health guidelines in observing social distancing, wearing a facial mask, or self-isolation if exposed to imminent threats. This article attempts to use visual presentation and theoretical narratives to explain the science and conceptual structure of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. The paper also shows a visualization of the connections between the ongoing pandemic and previous coronavirus outbreaks and epidemics.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ikpe Justice Akpan

Ikpe Justice Akpan, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Information Systems. He is also a researcher at the Management & Information Systems department and Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Ohio, USA. He holds a Ph.D. from Lancaster University, UK, specializing in computer simulation and virtual reality. Dr. Akpan has published widely. He currently serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. His research interests include computer simulation and applications, virtual reality, visualization, and Healthcare Informatics. Dr. Akpan has taught at universities in different parts of the world, including the UK, Canada, and the USA. Previously, he was appointed a distinguished visiting Professor of Information Systems at Shanghai International University, Shanghai, China, and has also taught at Universities in Africa and the Middle East. Email: [email protected].

Obianuju Genevieve Aguolu

Obianuju Genevieve Aguolu, MBBS, MPH, Ph.D., is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in the Department of Infectious Disease Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Dr. Aguolu holds a Degree in Medicine and Surgery, a Master’s degree in Public Health, and recently completed a Ph.D. in Infectious Disease, Kent State University, Ohio, USA. Email: [email protected].

Izuchukwu C. Ezeume

Izuchukwu C. Ezeume holds a higher diploma in Computer Science from Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, and a Graduate Diploma in Computer and Electronic Engineering at the Lagos State University, Epe, Lagos, Nigeria. He works as Information Systems Professional and serves as a Minister of Religion and a board member of the Ibom International Center for Research and Scholarship and Children in Divorce Foundation. He undertakes research that addresses technologies, social, healthcare informatics, and family issues. Email: [email protected].