Pharmafile Logo

Health literacy in the time of COVID-19

In a time when much of the media’s focus is on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the differences in vaccination rates between various regions, countries, and socioeconomic groups, improving health literacy has never been more important.

COVID-19 has prompted an interest in microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, and public health never seen on this scale before. However, it has also further polarized the population when it comes to public health measures such as vaccines and face masks.

In a 2020 survey conducted in a nationally representative sample of 3,133 adults in the USA, 20% of respondents intended to decline a vaccine once available. The most important determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were distrust of the vaccine safety and general vaccine avoidance, as implied by not having had a flu shot in the last two years. Further, the authors noted that inconsistent risk messages from public health experts and elected officials may reduce vaccine uptake. Likewise, a survey conducted in Portugal in late 2020 identified having no intention of taking the flu vaccine and perception of the information provided as inconsistent and contradictory as two key factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitance. This indicates that clear, easy-to-understand, and consistent messaging is key to improving health literacy and fighting misinformation.

In addition to vaccine hesitancy, Vergara et al. (2021) highlighted that two even bigger challenges that public health authorities will be facing in the new normal are the “postmodern condition of information blast” and “the objectivity of the held truth.” We are looking at a brand-new type of epidemic–an “infodemic”–where fake news and false scientific claims are progressively spread.

However, identifying the problem is only the first step. The challenge is coming up with a solution.

Read the full article here.

This content was provided by Impetus Digital

Company Details

 Latest Content from  Impetus Digital 

Using Healthtech to Deliver Better Patient Outcomes

Peter Birch, General Manager (Asia Pacific) at MetaOptima Technologies & host of the “Talking HealthTech Podcast.” joins us to discuss a whole range of topics, including Peter’s professional journey and the...

Accelerating Digital Health Innovation Success

Fard Johnmar, Founder of Enspektos, and Denise Pines, President of the Medical Board of California, discuss the concepts of “FemAging” and “ePatients”, and how COVID-19 has affected both of these. We explore an...

Courageous Conversation ep.9: Elon Musk’s Neuralink and the Future of the Computer Brain Interface

Natalie Yeadon, Co-Owner and Managing Director at Impetus Digital, provides insight on Elon Musk's Neuralink and the Future of the Computer Brain Interface.

Ongoing Virtual Communication between MSLs and Physicians: a Customer Story

Learn how one of our clients used the Impetus InSite Platform to connect their MSLs with regional groups of physicians.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Transform Pharma

Dr. Andree Bates, Founder & CEO of Eularis, discusses how Eularis helps healthcare teams utilize AI and “Future Tech” to solve their biggest commercial challenges and deliver measurable growth. Among many...

Transforming Unstructured Healthcare Information into Real-World Evidence & Life Saving Insights

Aaron Leibtag, CEO & Co-Founder of Pentavere Research Group, discusses his transition from being an Organizational Transformation Leader to co-founding a startup focused on healthcare technology. We also dive into how...

InSite Mapping™ – a Novel Tool for Insight-gathering and Patient Journey Mapping

Learn how a client engaged 18 rheumatologist advisors over 6 months to create a patient journey map for SLE.

Building Stakeholder Relationships in the New Normal

Randi Goeckeler, Global Stakeholder Relations & Strategic Engagement Leadership Expert, discusses some of the key lessons she has learned from the various roles she has held at top pharma companies....

Personalized Digital Health Coaching

Eugene Borukhovich, Chairman & COO of YourCoach.Health, discusses his transition from Global Head of Digital Health at Bayer to full-time entrepreneur. We also talk about YourCoach’s mission, the impact of COVID-19...