Comportamento informacional em saúde de pessoas idosas no contexto de uma infodemia

Abstract

The aim was to understand the health information behavior of elderly people in the context of an infodemic This is a multiple case study with a qualitative approach, using the conceptual model of information behavior by Thomas D. Wilson and the lifespan perspective of development Theory by Paul B. Baltes as an interpretative framework. Online interviews were conducted with older adults using a semi-structured script in eight intentionally selected Brazilian municipalities. We also collected published documents concerning the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in these municipalities. The data were analyzed using ThematicCategorical Content Analysis. The research results were organized into four analytical categories. The first category, information needs of older adults during an infodemic, revealed a demand for clear, accessible, and reliable information, which is hindered by the overload and contradiction of available data. The second category, information-seeking behavior of older adults in the context of the COVID-19 infodemic, indicated that most older adults still rely on traditional media, such as television and radio, and use social media with the mediation of family members. The third category, information analysis by older adults in the context of the COVID-19 infodemic, predominantly highlighted the difficulties older adults have in assessing the veracity of information, which leads them to trust authority figures and family members without using a critical process. The fourth category, use of information by older adults and decision-making in an infodemic context, highlighted that fear and information overload have led older adults to self-medicate and adopt inappropriate health practices, often distancing them from formal medical care. It was considered that the information behavior of the elderly, in a context of infodemia, is marked by vulnerabilities that affect their physical and mental health.The research indicates the urgent need for public policies on digital and media literacy, aiming to enable this population to critically evaluate the information accessed and use health information in a safer and more informed manner, especially in times of health crisis.