Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.
Department of Health and Exercise, School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway.
J Med Internet Res. 2024 Aug 21;26:e56931. doi: 10.2196/56931.
The COVID-19 pandemic was marked by an infodemic, characterized by the rapid spread of both accurate and false information, which significantly affected public health. This infodemic led to confusion, mistrust in health authorities, noncompliance with health guidelines, and engagement in risky health behaviors. Understanding the dynamics of misinformation during the pandemic is crucial for developing effective public health communication strategies.
This comprehensive analysis aimed to examine the complexities of COVID-19 misinformation. Specifically, it sought to identify the sources and themes of misinformation, the target audiences most affected, and the effectiveness of various public health communication strategies in mitigating misinformation.
This scoping review used the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies. An established, methodical framework for scoping reviews was used to review literature published between December 2019 and September 2023. The inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies published in English that address COVID-19 misinformation and its sources, themes, and target audiences, as well as the effectiveness of public health communication strategies.
The scoping review identified that misinformation significantly impacted mental health, vaccine hesitancy, and health care decision-making. Social media and traditional media were major conduits for spreading misinformation. Key misinformation themes included the origins of the virus, ineffective treatments, and misunderstandings about public health measures. Misinformation sources ranged from social media platforms to traditional media outlets and informal networks. The impact of misinformation was found to vary across different regions and demographic groups, with vulnerable populations being disproportionately affected. Effective strategies to counter misinformation included enhancing health literacy; using digital technology; promoting clear, authoritative communication; and implementing fact-checking mechanisms. In addition, community engagement and targeted health campaigns played a crucial role in addressing misinformation.
The review emphasizes the critical need for accurate and consistent messaging to combat misinformation. Cooperative efforts among policy makers, health professionals, and communication experts are essential for developing effective interventions. Addressing the infodemic is vital for building a well-informed, health-literate society capable of handling misinformation in future global health crises. The study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of misinformation and highlights the importance of robust public health communication strategies. These findings can guide future efforts to mitigate the impact of misinformation during health emergencies.
COVID-19 大流行的特点是信息疫情，其特征是准确和错误信息的快速传播，这对公众健康产生了重大影响。这种信息疫情导致了混乱、对卫生当局的不信任、不遵守卫生指南以及从事危险的健康行为。了解大流行期间错误信息的动态对于制定有效的公共卫生沟通策略至关重要。
本综合分析旨在研究 COVID-19 错误信息的复杂性。具体而言，它旨在确定错误信息的来源和主题、受影响最大的目标受众，以及各种公共卫生沟通策略在减轻错误信息方面的有效性。
本范围界定审查使用了 MEDLINE（PubMed）、Embase 和 Scopus 数据库来确定相关研究。使用既定的、有条理的范围界定审查框架来审查 2019 年 12 月至 2023 年 9 月期间发表的文献。纳入标准侧重于以英语发表的、针对 COVID-19 错误信息及其来源、主题和目标受众以及公共卫生沟通策略有效性的同行评审研究。
范围界定审查发现，错误信息对心理健康、疫苗犹豫和医疗保健决策产生了重大影响。社交媒体和传统媒体是传播错误信息的主要渠道。主要的错误信息主题包括病毒的起源、无效的治疗方法以及对公共卫生措施的误解。错误信息的来源范围从社交媒体平台到传统媒体和非正式网络。错误信息的影响在不同地区和人口群体中有所不同，弱势群体受到的影响不成比例。应对错误信息的有效策略包括提高健康素养；利用数字技术；促进清晰、权威的沟通；以及实施事实核查机制。此外，社区参与和有针对性的健康运动在解决错误信息方面发挥了至关重要的作用。
该审查强调了准确和一致的信息传递对于打击错误信息的迫切需求。政策制定者、卫生专业人员和沟通专家之间的合作对于制定有效的干预措施至关重要。应对信息疫情对于建立一个有见识、有健康素养的社会，使其能够在未来的全球健康危机中处理错误信息至关重要。该研究提供了有关错误信息动态的宝贵见解，并强调了强大的公共卫生沟通策略的重要性。这些发现可以指导未来在卫生紧急情况下减轻错误信息影响的努力。
