Group established to combat health misinformation
University researchers have banded together to form a specialised group that aims to combat health misinformation and promote health literacy.
The HealthWise team, which sits under CQUniversity’s Appleton Institute, is made up of experts in the fields of diet and nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and alcohol – with a focus on both physical and mental health.
Active members include Dr Grace Vincent, Dr Charlotte Gupta, Dr Anna Balzer and Dr Saman Khalesi from CQUniversity and Dr Chris Irwin from Griffith University, in collaboration with CQU’s Physical Activity Research Group, NeuroHealth Lab and other stakeholders.
“Health misinformation is increasing as the level of health awareness and interest in communities increases and people seek new ways to improve their health,” HealthWise group lead Dr Khalesi explained.
“Health misinformation remains an enormous public health challenge, risking the overall health and expenditure of consumers. Unscientific (and usually viral) claims about fad diets and dietary elimination, vaping, vigorous and damaging physical activity routines, or sleep supplements and myths can lead to dangerous side effects,” he said.
“This can have serious health consequences for individuals with specific needs and medical conditions. Health misinformation also negatively impacts the public trust in scientific literature.
“That is why HealthWise was founded – to combat health misinformation and promote health literacy to the general public.”
Dr Khalesi said the group aimed to develop, examine and disseminate innovative tools that improved health awareness.
“That includes resources to help consumers make informed choices and reduce the risk of health information.”
This will be achieved by:
- Combating health misinformation though the delivery of misinformation-busting forums and online articles;
- Promoting health literacy through online health coaching and tailored mini-lectures.
“The aim is to help consumers make informed health choices and reduce the risk that health misinformation has on the individuals and the public health system.”
