COVID 19 Care Call-in Helpline. A Report from India

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Communication

Background:

• The second wave of COVID-19 in India necessitated accessible public health information.
• A prominent TV channel and consultant doctors initiated a call helpline to address public queries.
• Understanding public perception is crucial for effective pandemic response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze public inquiries received by a COVID-19 helpline.
• To identify common misunderstandings and perceptions regarding COVID-19.
• To assess public concerns, especially related to the vaccination drive.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of questions submitted to a COVID-19 call helpline.
• Categorization of queries to identify recurring themes and concerns.
• Qualitative assessment of public understanding and misconceptions.

Main Results:

• The helpline addressed numerous public questions about COVID-19 'dos and don'ts' and long-term implications.
• A significant portion of inquiries focused on the COVID-19 vaccination drive.
• Analysis highlighted prevalent public misunderstandings and specific concerns about the pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Call helplines can be valuable tools for disseminating public health information during pandemics.
• Public inquiries reveal critical areas of misinformation and anxiety that require targeted educational interventions.
• Addressing concerns about vaccination is essential for promoting vaccine uptake and controlling the pandemic.