Scottish Health Information Integrity Strategy

False Information and Health Inequalities in Scotland

Though we are all susceptible to the effects of false health information, these do not fall equally across society. Scotland’s entrenched health inequalities are likely worsened by false information, with certain groups and communities particularly affected. During the COVID-19 pandemic for example, ethnic minority communities experienced significant levels of false information regarding vaccination.^[30] This compounded existing mistrust and led to lower vaccination uptake, with direct health consequences.

Wider differences in society can impact on how and where people receive their health information. Often those furthest away from mainstream healthcare are at greatest risk from poor health outcomes and are also at greatest risk of the harms false health information can cause.^[31] Moreover, unequal access to the digital world is deeply connected to unfair and avoidable differences in both our social circumstances and our health.^[32]

Addressing health inequalities is a core aim of our healthcare and public health systems. Fundamentally it is a matter of fairness; currently those who are most affluent in society are likely to live significantly longer and in better health. Tackling the health harms of false information aligns with this core aim. Ensuring that we address this unequal impact without creating or worsening stigma is also of paramount importance to this strategy.