Behavior Change Communication
What exactly is source credibility, and why is it so important in public health? Determine at least three trustworthy sources of health and scientific knowledge. What are some strategies that public health professionals may use to counteract health misinformation? How will you use the learning from this course to establish yourself as a reliable source of accurate, timely public health information?
Overview
Discover how to spot and prevent spreading health misinformation. Many of us communicate erroneous information unintentionally: we are attempting to inform people and are unaware that the information is untrue. Persons can follow a variety of people, news outlets, and official sources through social media feeds, blogs, forums, and group chats. However, not every social media message can be trusted. Misinformation can also thrive in group messages or email conversations between friends and relatives. Check the veracity of the material using reliable and respectable sources. If you are unsure, do not disclose.
Discuss the issue of health misinformation with your friends and family. If someone you care about has a misunderstanding, you might be able to reach out to them by first striving to understand rather than casting judgment. Try different methods of engaging: listen with empathy, find common ground, ask questions, offer alternate explanations and sources of information, remain calm, and don’t anticipate results from a single session.
Address health myths in your community. Develop local initiatives against disinformation in collaboration with schools, community groups such as churches and parent-teacher associations, and trusted leaders such as educators and health care professionals. Invite local health professionals to speak about COVID-19 vaccination facts in schools or religion groups, for example.