COVID-19 health misinformation: using design-based research to develop a theoretical framework for intervention

Shandell Houlden, George Veletsianos, Jaigris Hodson, Darren Reid, Christiani P. Thompson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Because health misinformation pertaining to COVID-19 is a serious threat to public health, the purpose of this study is to develop a framework to guide an online intervention into some of the drivers of health misinformation online. This framework can be iterated upon through the use of design-based research to continue to develop further interventions as needed. Design/methodology/approach: Using design-based research methods, in this paper, the authors develop a theoretical framework for addressing COVID-19 misinformation. Using a heuristic analysis of research on vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, the authors propose a framework for education interventions that use the narrative effect of transportation as a means to increase knowledge of the drivers of misinformation online. Findings: This heuristic analysis determined that a key element of narrative transportation includes orientation towards particular audiences. Research indicates that mothers are the most significant household decision-makers with respect to vaccines and family health in general; the authors suggest narrative interventions should be tailored specifically to meet their interests and tastes, and that this may be different for mothers of different backgrounds and cultural communities. Originality/value: While there is a significant body of literature on vaccine hesitancy and vaccine misinformation, more research is needed that helps people understand the ways in which misinformation works upon social media users. The framework developed in this research guided the development of an education intervention meant to facilitate this understanding.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)506-518
Number of pages13
JournalHealth Education
Volume122
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 28 2022
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Keywords

  • COVID-19 vaccine misinformation
  • Design-based research
  • Health misinformation
  • Narrative intervention

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