Volume 29, Issue 2 (5-2026)
J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026, 29(2): 119-124 |
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Mousavi S H, Jafari A. Identifying Strategies for Educating and Empowering Communities to Address Media-Related Harms and Health Communication Challenges in Critical Situations. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026; 29 (2) :119-124
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-7915-en.html
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-7915-en.html
1- PhD in Communication Sciences, Responsible for the Publication System and Free Access to the Information of the Ministry of Health, Medicine and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, Institute for Educational Studies, Organization for Educational Research and Planning (OERP), Tehran, Iran ,alijafari@oerp.ir
2- Assistant Professor, Institute for Educational Studies, Organization for Educational Research and Planning (OERP), Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (165 Views)
Introduction: Health communication is a critical and multifaceted area of research and application. Its primary goal is to enhance understanding of the challenges related to healthcare delivery and health promotion. This study aims to propose solutions for mitigating the harms of health communication in critical situations, as viewed by experts in the field.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design with content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data, which were then analyzed through coding and thematic content analysis. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants, with the sample size determined by the principle of "theoretical saturation" resulting in a total of 15 experts and specialists in media and the health system.
Results: The findings of the study highlight six key strategies for addressing the harms of health communication: (1) holding officials accountable, (2) relying on trustworthy sources and producing effective content, (3) managing public anxiety, (4) avoiding overstatement of public participation, (5) promoting teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration, and (6) leveraging the experiences of other countries. Additionally, the study identifies several factors contributing to media-related harm, including the pervasive influence of popular media, the lack of authority within health units, the overwhelming flow of information, and the politicization of health issues.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, this study emphasizes the need for reinforcing the proposed solutions to mitigate the harms of health communication. Health system officials are urged to establish the necessary foundations to implement these solutions, thus ensuring more effective and responsible communication during critical situations.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design with content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data, which were then analyzed through coding and thematic content analysis. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants, with the sample size determined by the principle of "theoretical saturation" resulting in a total of 15 experts and specialists in media and the health system.
Results: The findings of the study highlight six key strategies for addressing the harms of health communication: (1) holding officials accountable, (2) relying on trustworthy sources and producing effective content, (3) managing public anxiety, (4) avoiding overstatement of public participation, (5) promoting teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration, and (6) leveraging the experiences of other countries. Additionally, the study identifies several factors contributing to media-related harm, including the pervasive influence of popular media, the lack of authority within health units, the overwhelming flow of information, and the politicization of health issues.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, this study emphasizes the need for reinforcing the proposed solutions to mitigate the harms of health communication. Health system officials are urged to establish the necessary foundations to implement these solutions, thus ensuring more effective and responsible communication during critical situations.
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