Prevalence and intervention strategies of health misinformation among older adults

A meta-analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID4228074
AuthorsBingjie Hu (0000-0002-5824-9090, Nanjing University), Xinjie Liu (0000-0003-4089-4064, Northeast Normal University), Chang Lu (0000-0001-6331-622X, Northeast Normal University), Xingda Ju (Northeast Normal University)
Year2025
Volume30
Issue7
Pages1427-1443
Publication date2025-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Health Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1359-1053 • E-ISSN: 1461-7277
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/13591053241298362
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited108

The rapid expansion of the Internet and social media has intensified the spread of health misinformation, posing significant risks, especially for older adults. This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence on the prevalence and interventions of health misinformation among older adults. Our findings reveal a high prevalence rate of 47% (95% CI [33%, 60%]), surpassing recent estimates. Offline research settings have a higher prevalence of health misinformation. Despite methodological variances, the prevalence remains consistent across different measures and development levels. Interventions show significant effectiveness (Hedges' g = 0.76, 95% CI [0.25, 1.26]), with graphic-based approaches outperforming video-based ones. These results underscore the urgent need for tailored, large-scale interventions to mitigate the adverse impacts of health misinformation on older adults. Further research should focus on refining intervention strategies and extending studies to underrepresented regions and populations

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