Health Communication

CURRENT RESEARCH: HEALTH COMMUNICATION

Jennifer Manganello, professor of Health Policy, Management and Behavior, studies health literacy as well as media effects on attitudes, behaviors and policies that puts people at risk for negative health outcomes.

With the onset of COVID-19, we spoke with Manganello about the role of health communication during a pandemic—and she shared important information and tips.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID HEALTH COMMUNICATORS FACE WITH COVID-19?

Manganello: “One was that we didn’t know much about it, and we are still learning more every day. That made creating messages at the start more difficult than for other better understood health issues.

Another challenge was the changing guidance given the evolving science. At first, masks were not recommended and then they were. The public can get frustrated when guidelines change with little explanation.

Finally, information was being rapidly disseminated through the many social media and other channels for message distribution. This meant that public health agencies had to act quickly and may not have had the resources to do so.”

HOW WOULD YOU RECOMMEND GETTING RELIABLE, ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19?

Manganello: “We are surrounded by a lot of information coming at us from many different places. And with COVID-19, a lot of that information changes rapidly as studies reveal more information about this particular virus.

One suggestion is to verify information you see. Just because your best friend shares a post doesn’t mean it is reliable or accurate. I usually check to confirm information from multiple sources. If I can only find one or two sources talking about a fact and they are not well known or verified sources, I consider that information unreliable.

Another suggestion is to follow a range of sources to keep up with information. Local and state health departments, infectious disease experts and universities are some of my favorites sources to follow during COVID-19. Also, don’t forget about your doctor. They are a great resource and you can talk with them about information you may have seen.

Finally, keep in mind that some sources may have a particular bias or agenda. This is something to be aware of and again, is a reason to get your information from multiple sources.”