Knowledge, perception, and myths about the COVID-19 virus by indigenous communities

Abstract The study highlighted the knowledge, myths, misconceptions, misinformation, and disinformation about the COVID-19 virus and pandemic among indigenous community members in Ghana. This study employed constructivist, qualitative, and longitudinal methods. This enabled the researcher to use focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation to collect data in indigenous communities in the Volta Region of Ghana. It was revealed that myths, misconceptions, misinformation, and disinformation about the COVID-19 virus and pandemic were rife and endemic in the communities, and this spread fast, making the indigenous members accept and believe in them very quickly. Community members tend to follow and believe in myths, misconceptions, and misinformation without questioning their authenticity or evidence, due to the interconnectedness and communalism within the community. Religion, spirituality, and belief in divinity also influenced community members’ knowledge, beliefs, and disbelief regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. All of these (religion, myths, misconceptions, misinformation, and disinformation) served as a barrier to the community members’ adherence to the COVID-19 protocols (washing hands, wearing nose masks, maintaining social distancing, and avoiding crowded places) and measures instituted by the Government of Ghana and the World Health Organization. Although community members in Ghana linked COVID-19 to diseases such as the flu, colds, and other related illnesses, it was later found to be untrue. It was further discovered that most indigenous community members relied on herbs, plants, and other natural products for the treatment of COVID-19 and other health-related conditions.