Dear Colleagues,
Dr. Neil suggested that I introduce myself on this HIFA list.
First of all I would like to point out that I was very pleased to learn about the existence of HIFA.
This could be an excellent way to establish partnerships to combat misinformation in health!
Let me introduce myself:
I have been a researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Brazil) for over the last 35 years.
This is the largest and most important public health institution in Brazil. (https://portal.fiocruz.br/en).
I completed my PhD in Public Health (1997) and have dedicated myself to the area of health communication during the last15 years.
I am one of the editors of the book "Internet and Health in Brazil: Challenges and Trends" (Springer, 2019)
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-99289-1
In this context, I highlight my intellectual efforts in developing a methodology to assess the quality of information on health websites.
In my opinion, public institutions and those of public interest have an obligation to offer citizens scientifically certified health information written in simple language.
This is an important alternative to combat misinformation and thus preserve life, promote health and prevent death! QUALITY INFORMATION FOR ALL!
Our last paper on this topic/problem can illustrate our methodology.
On this paper the information available on leishmaniasis was evaluated on the websites of the Brazilian and Indian Ministries of Health and of two public interest organizations: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).
The results were surprising! These virtual environments offer incomplete, outdated or incorrect information!
PEREIRA NETO, A.; FERREIRA, E. ; PAOLUCCI, R.; BARBOSA, L.
Assessment of the accuracy of information on websites about visceral leishmaniasis: a strategy for coping with information disorder.
Saúde em Debate, 47(136): 126-140, 2023. (attached)
https://www.scielo.br/j/sdeb/a/RWgkKFNbL3gHFx8nbbHVzpH/?lang=en
I am convinced that this methodology can be replicated without great difficulty.
We are currently developing a pilot project in which citizens living in low-income communities translate online health science texts that they do not understand into plain language.
I would like to exchange experiences and knowledge about these experiences of assessing the quality of information.
My CV can be accessed here:
http://lattes.cnpq.br/6357241192435967
I will be waiting for the reactions and possible exchange networks that we can establish soon.
Best Wishes,
André Pereira Neto
HIFA profile: Andre Pereira Neto is a researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Brazil). He completed his PhD in Public Health (1997) and has dedicated himself to the area of health communication during the last15 years. andrepereiraneto AT gmail.com
