Analysing Public Health Impact of Misinformation During COVID-19 Pandemic using the Socio-Ecological Model: A Systematic Review
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.1.32
- Author:
Khairul Hafidz Alkhair
1
,
2
;
Muhammad Hafiz Yusof
1
,
2
;
Mohd Faiz Itam
1
,
2
;
Zul Aizat Mohamad Fisal
1
,
2
;
Mohd Hamzi Mohd Yatim
1
,
3
;
Rosliza Abdul Manaf
4
Author Information
1. Doctor of Public Health Candidate, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia&
2. Ministry of Health Malaysia, 62590, Putrajaya
3. Ministry of Defence Malaysia, Kementah, 50634 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
4. Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Other Types
- Keywords:
Conspiracy, COVID-19, Fake news, Misinformation, Socio-ecological model
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.1):242-253
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Social media and Internet use during disasters have been proven to be useful tools in helping public
health agencies to respond to pandemics. However, this tool can also be the culprit in the spread of misinformation to
the public. This study aims to identify the public health impact of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic using the socio-ecological model. Methods: A systematic review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was initially undertaken by searching relevant articles published
from January to November 2020 in several electronic databases including Medline, PubMed, and Springer link. All
publications produced in English regarding the impact of misinformation during the COVID-19 outbreak were included except review articles. Results: Eleven articles were identified from these databases. The public health impact
of misinformation from these articles was analysed and discussed according to the domains of the socio-ecological
model. It was found that various elements of misinformation on the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant impact
on the individual, interpersonal, organisational, community, and policy levels across various nations. Conclusion:
This study concludes that addressing misinformation during a pandemic such as the COVID-19 phenomenon is an
important measure to improve public health response in mitigating the spread of pandemics.
- Full text:11.2023my1432.pdf
