Interventions to Counter Health Misinformation Among Older People: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Information Science

Background:

• Misinformation and disinformation pose significant societal challenges, particularly impacting public health.
• Older adults may be more susceptible to misinformation due to potential digital health literacy gaps.
• Previous reviews identified digital literacy interventions but not specifically digital health literacy for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of digital health literacy interventions targeting health misinformation in older adults.
• To explore existing interventions and identify gaps in the literature.

Main Methods:

• Systematic approach following Arksey and O'Malley and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searches of multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science) and gray literature.
• Independent study selection, data charting (objectives, types, effectiveness, risks), and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Study selection and data charting are planned for August-September 2025.
• Findings will be disseminated through open access publication and presentations (September-December 2025).

Conclusions:

• This protocol provides a framework for advancing knowledge on combating health misinformation among older adults.
• Results will guide the development of targeted interventions to improve digital health literacy and reduce misinformation impact.