Evaluating inclusiveness and diversity in health misinformation correction research: A scoping review: Health Information and Libraries Journal

BACKGROUND: The inclusion of marginalized populations in health information research is crucial for ensuring equitable health outcomes and addressing systemic disparities. However, underrepresentation of these groups remains a significant issue, particularly in health misinformation correction research. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the inclusion and diversity of health misinformation correction studies in terms of their sample characteristics, correction message features, and study characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review and identified 192 empirical studies from 158 publications that met our inclusion criteria. DISCUSSION: The results indicate that the available literature on health misinformation correction has not adequately incorporated the inclusion and diversity of marginalized populations. This gap persists across various essential research elements, such as sample characteristics and correction message features. CONCLUSIONS: There is a critical need to prioritize inclusion and diversity in health misinformation correction research. Addressing this gap will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive scientific process, ensuring the perspectives of diverse populations are considered and included.