Navigating the Health Information Ecosystem: Lessons for the Future from Community Residents and Stakeholders

This study examines how the COVID-19 infodemic created multilevel barriers to vaccine decision-making in a high social vulnerability community. Using the Social Ecology of Health Beliefs and Misinformation Framework, we identified community-recommended solutions concentrated at the interpersonal and community levels. Findings highlight the critical need for health literacy interventions delivered by culturally concordant, hyperlocal trusted messengers and partnerships with faith-based organizations. Practical tools include health literacy and cultural humility training for community health workers and community-based organizations. These strategies offer actionable, community-driven solutions to combat health misinformation and strengthen information ecosystem resilience for future public health crises.

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IHA Health Literacy Conference
2026
Public Health
Community Engagement
Communication
Audience
Public Health Professionals, Community Health Workers, Navigators, and Peer Educators, Community-Based and Social Service Professionals
Setting
Public Health Departments and Agencies, Community-Based Organizations and Nonprofits
Level
Applied