Health-Related Social Media Misinformation: Implications for the Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract

Background/purpose: The use of social media platforms for social and educational interactions has transformed the way information sharing takes place. However, this has also exposed the public to health-related misinformation, posing significant challenges for global health. This is particularly challenging in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) now compounds existing challenges from communicable diseases. This review aimed to examine the growing challenge of health-related social media misinformation and the potential implications for NCD burden in SSA, and explore possible strategies for combating social media misinformation in the context of NCDs.

Data source: Useful data for this review were obtained by consultation of online sources of information using search engines and online databases.

Findings: Social media platforms serve various health-related purposes, including health interventions, health campaigns, medical education, disease outbreak surveillance, and behavior change. WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube are the leading platforms associated with health-related misinformation in SSA. Potential implications of health-related social media misinformation are misconceived clinical diagnosis, inappropriate self-medication and failure to adhere to evidence-based treatment modalities.

Conclusions: Social media misinformation in the area of NCDs can potentially influence people's health-related attitudes, behaviour and undermine appropriate implementation of evidence-based interventions. Collaboration among stake holders such as healthcare professionals, religious organizations and social media influencers, as well as public awareness campaigns and regulatory policies are plausible strategies for combating the issue. There is limited research on the implications of health-related social media misinformation on NCDs in SSA highlighting the need for further studies.