Abstract

The study unpacks some of the frames of reference that people use to explain and understand Covid-19 in Zimbabwe. The study used a qualitative research approach to explore participants’ frames of reference. A phenomenological research design was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to select research participants, whilst two online focus group discussions were held. Data were collected through the use of semi-structured interview questions, which were administered online. The study revealed five salient themes as frames of reference, each with its own sub-themes. These are religion, politics, race, the rural–urban dichotomy, and age. The study concluded that people use their frames of reference to understand pandemics. Certain myths about Covid-19 emanate from people's frames of reference, without any scientific basis. It was also noted that frames of reference give rise to the construction and perpetuation of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories. It is recommended that stakeholders take a systematic and integrated approach which appeals to all people's frames of reference when disseminating information.

摘要

该研究揭示了津巴布韦人们用来解释和理解 Covid-19 的一些参考框架。该研究使用定性研究方法来探索参与者的参考框架。采用现象学研究设计。使用有目的的抽样来选择研究参与者，同时举行了两次在线焦点小组讨论。数据是通过使用在线管理的半结构化访谈问题收集的。该研究揭示了五个突出的主题作为参考框架，每个主题都有自己的子主题。这些是宗教、政治、种族、城乡二分法和年龄。该研究得出结论，人们使用他们的参考框架来理解流行病。关于 Covid-19 的某些神话源于人们的参照系，没有任何科学依据。还指出，参照系会导致错误信息、虚假信息和阴谋论的构建和延续。建议利益攸关方采取系统和综合的方法，在传播信息时吸引所有人的参考框架。