The nexus between accessible health communication and information resilience in diverse societies: the case of migrants and people with disability

Trustworthy communication is crucial for building safe and informed societies, but for marginalised communities, disparate access to reliable information is an enduring challenge. I examined this problem in my qualitative investigation into health information access challenges facing migrants and people with disability during the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic in Australia. Guided by a reflexive approach to Interpretive Thematic Analysis, I conducted 12 semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions with service providers who supported these communities during the pandemic. Findings reveal that being excluded from accessing timely and reliable communication about Covid-19 routinely compelled migrants and people with disability to engage with false (and often dangerous) health claims. Informed by the literature on information resilience and epistemic injustice, this article discusses the important role of accessible health communication in efforts to address the enduring problem of mis/disinformation. I present considerations for research, policy, and practice seeking to improve health and social equity in diverse societies, arguing that effective responses require a more structural and intersectional appreciation of the connection between accessible communication and information resilience.