Health literacy action framework for health emergencies and infodemics

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Orkan Okan
  • Melanie Messer
  • Diane Levin-Zamir
  • Kevin Dadaczynski
  • Leena Paakkari
  • Doris Schaeffer
  • Kristine Sorensen

This paper addresses the critical role of health literacy during the COVID-19 infodemic and provides recommendations for decision-makers regarding how health literacy can be advanced as an empowering resource to mitigate the harmful effects of future infodemics. Based on a comprehensive literature review, key areas concerning health literacy are identified that help provide a strategic response during an infodemic. A framework for systemic health literacy capacity and policy advice is presented to inform and guide decision-makers on managing an infodemic with health literacy strategies. The way forward includes emphasizing the rights to access information and a broader view of how health literacy can help build back better in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the paper includes a call to action for decision-makers to integrate systemic health literacy responsiveness into public health emergency strategies to counter a future infodemic's diffusion.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInformation Services and Use
Volume43
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)115-130
Number of pages16
ISSN0167-5265
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10.08.2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 - The authors. Published by IOS Press.

    Research areas

  • Covid-19, digital health literacy, Health literacy, infodemic, public understanding and misunderstanding
  • Health sciences

DOI