Strategies to combat infodemics in public health

Abstract

Background: Infodemic is an emerging concept in public health and effective strategies are required to combat it. Aim: To identify documented strategies for combating infodemics in the health sector, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In November 2022, we reviewed 87 articles on the management of infodemics in public health on PubMed and Web of Science using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Results: The number of articles on infodemic more than doubled from 18 in 2020 to 37 in 2021 and decreased to 32 in 2022, indicating efforts at different levels to combat infodemics especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies to combat infodemics included health literacy and education, use of more effective information resources, content control, social networking and communication, restrictive laws, use of electronic platforms, awareness campaigns, and health care provider involvement. Conclusion: Findings from this review indicate that infodemic, especially during a pandemic, is a serious challenge in public health and a multifaceted approach involving education, technology, policy and community engagement is essential to combat it.