Filipinos Divided Over Accuracy Of Government COVID-19 Data: SWS

MANILA – Filipinos are divided over the accuracy of government data on COVID-19 patients, according to an independent Social Weather Stations survey released Thursday.

Of 1,249 adult Filipinos surveyed, 39 percent said they believe the country’s COVID-19 count was “probably higher than the actual number,” while 31 percent said it was “likely lower than the actual number” and 23 percent said it was “probably correct.”

The Sept. 17-20 survey also found there is “no census” on the accuracy of the health department’s data on COVID-19 deaths. About 34 percent of those surveyed said it was likely over-reported, another 34 percent said it was likely not reported, and 27 percent said it was likely correct.

An analysis of COVID-19 data in the Philippines showed that more than 15,600 cases were announced a month or long after patients developed symptoms, according to the ABS-CBN Research and Research Group (IRG) study published earlier. of this month.

In May, researchers from the University of the Philippines pointed to a discrepancy in government data, citing a “continuing mismatch” between the Department of Health (DOH) and local government numbers of COVID-19 patients and “alarming errors” in patient data.

The discrepancy may be due to a delay in the verification process for COVID-19 cases, a researcher said.

Belief in COVID-19 data is lowest in Metro Manila

The number of those who consider the reported number of COVID-19 cases to be accurate was lowest in Metro Manila at 14 percent, followed by 23 percent in Balance Luzon, 24 percent in Visayas and 31 percent in Mindanao.

The reported number of deaths from COVID-19 is also viewed as less accurate by those in Metro Manila at 20 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 26 percent, and Visayas and Mindanao at 29 percent each.

The COVID-19 count is viewed as least accurate by more educated groups, the lowest among college graduates (18 percent) and high school graduates (22 percent) compared to non-college graduates. primary school (26 percent) and primary school graduates (31 percent).

Those who consider the data on COVID-19 deaths to be “probably correct,” were highest among elementary school graduates at 31 percent, followed by high school graduates at 26 percent. college with 23 percent and non-elementary graduates with 21 percent.

The survey was conducted using mobile and computer-assisted telephone interviews while the pandemic persisted. It had a margin of sampling error of ± 3 percent for national percentages.

The Philippines reported 375,180 COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday, of which 38,955 were considered active, 329,111 were recoveries and 7,114 were deaths.

It can count up to 480,000 cases at the end of November, according to UP professor Guido David.