Impact of misinformation on adherence to treatment of major chronic diseases

Abstract

Objective: To investigate how misinformation influences the perception and adherence to pharmacological treatment for diabetes, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemias among adults and older adults in the Maciço do Baturité region, Ceará, Brazil, through a cross-sectional study. Methods: The study included 281 participants recruited from health units in Redenção and Acarape. Data were collected via face-to-face questionnaires, coded in Microsoft Excel® 365, and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Fisher’s exact test, Cramer’s V) were employed to assess associations between sociodemographic, health, and misinformation exposure variables. Results: Of the 281 participants, 49.1% sought information about comorbidities on the internet/social media, with younger adults (30–69 years) showing a higher tendency (p<0.0001). Women exhibited greater medication use (p=0.0387) and inclination toward alternative therapies (p=0.004). Catholics (64.8%) reported higher exposure to misinformation (p=0.017) and miracle cures (p=0.039) compared to Protestants (27.0%). Overall, 21.7% reported exposure to misinformation, 35.6% to miracle cures, and 82.6% believed misinformation affects treatment decisions. Conclusion: Misinformation impacts the perception of NCD treatment, with younger adults, women, and Catholics showing greater vulnerability to fake news. Health education strategies tailored to age, gender, religious, and socioeconomic differences, particularly for populations with low education and income, are essential to promote adherence to evidence-based treatments.