Eray Öntaş ^1* Şevkat Bahar Özvarış ² Burcu Şimşek ³

• ¹ Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Sakarya, Türkiye
• ² Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Ankara, Türkiye
• ³ Faculty of Communication, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Ankara, Türkiye

Introduction: The accuracy and reliability of health information disseminated through news is crucial, as it directly impacts both individual and societal health outcomes. This study aims to analyze the publication process of health content in Türkiye and its implications for public health. By examining the perspectives of various health communication stakeholders, the study seeks to identify existing issues and propose potential solutions. Methods: The research uses a mixed-methods approach, including baseline content analysis of 846 news by 133 criteria, quantitative research with 78 participants encompassing bureaucrats, academics, journalists, and health association members, and 15 in-depth interviews for comprehensive insights. Results: The content analysis indicated that 23.2% of the analyzed news articles lacked credible sources, while 63% did not mention the author’s name. A striking 96.2% of respondents stated that inaccurate health news poses a risk to public health, emphasizing the urgent need for standardized reporting practices. The majority (90.9%) pinpointed the media as the primary catalysts for infodemic spread, with 93.5% citing gatekeepers as barriers to accurate information. Eroding trust in media, fueled by unethical practices, harms both media credibility and effective public health interventions. Discussion: The study underscores the necessity for a collaborative approach among public institutions, academia, and media, focusing on responsibility, regulation, and sanctions against the infodemic. The research advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes health rights and press freedom within a stakeholder-driven framework, highlighting that legislation alone cannot fully enhance the digital information ecosystem.