Strategies and prerequisites for combating health misinformation on social media: a systematic review

The speed and complexity of transmitting health misinformation through social media can lead to the transfer of information that causes irreparable damage to the state of health, control, and prevention of diseases. This research aimed to identify the prerequisites and best strategies for combating health misinformation on social media.

The current systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. In September 2024, a search was conducted using "misinformation" and "social media" keywords and their equivalents in selected databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed). Inclusion criteria comprised the implementation of an intervention aimed at combating health misinformation on social media, while studies not in English and those that did not address health misinformation on social media were excluded. The data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis method. EndNote 21 and Excel 2021 software were used to collect and analyze the articles.

Out of 6395 identified articles, 20 articles were included in the present study. Half of the studies addressing health misinformation were published in 2023 and 2024, with the United States leading the way. The combat of COVID-19 misinformation was the most frequent. From the content analysis of the included studies in a total of three strategies: communication strategies, technology-based strategies, and multimedia strategies to combat health misinformation on social media, it was identified. Four categories: needs assessment, educating community leaders, content design, and content quality assessment, were identified as the primary prerequisites to combat health misinformation on social media.

Combating health information in social media requires basic infrastructures and the use of hybrid approaches. In addition, due to the different roles of celebrities and influencers, reputable health organizations and healthcare institutions should benefit from their participation in combating health misinformation.