Health literacy action framework for health emergencies and infodemics

• Published in: Information services & use Vol. 43; no. 2; pp. 115 - 130
• Main Authors: Okan, Orkan, Messer, Melanie, Levin-Zamir, Diane, Dadaczynski, Kevin, Paakkari, Leena, Schaeffer, Doris, Sorensen, Kristine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.05.2023; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Decision making; Emergency response; Literacy; Literature reviews; Public health; Health literacy; infodemic; public understanding and misunderstanding; Covid-19; digital health literacy
• ISSN: 0167-5265; 1875-8789
• DOI: 10.3233/ISU-230193

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.