Infodemic experiences of post-earthquake victims: a descriptive qualitative study

This study examines the infodemic experiences of earthquake victims. An infodemic - marked by an overabundance of accurate and inaccurate information - poses serious risks during disasters. In the aftermath of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Turkey, disrupted communication and rapid misinformation spread heightened confusion, anxiety, and mistrust. A descriptive qualitative design was used. Fourteen earthquake survivors living in a container city in Malatya were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Participants were selected via purposive sampling. Data were analyzed thematically following Colaizzi's method. Five themes and 13 sub-themes were identified: difficulty accessing reliable news, misinformation and delays, sources of disinformation, psychological effects of infodemic, and survivor recommendations. Participants reported encountering conspiracy theories, contradictory media reports, and emotional distress due to misleading information. The infodemic worsened the psychological toll of the disaster and eroded trust in authorities. Survivors emphasized the need for centralized, accurate, and timely communication. Nurses play a vital role in correcting misinformation, promoting health literacy, and supporting emotional recovery. Policymakers should ensure communication infrastructure, regulate misinformation, and involve health professionals in disaster communication.