Optimizing social media influencers for health communication in Africa.
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| Titel: | Optimizing social media influencers for health communication in Africa. |
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| Autoren: | Simba H; Chronic Diseases Management (CDM) Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya., Girma E; Chronic Diseases Management (CDM) Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya. |
| Quelle: | Global health action [Glob Health Action] 2025 Dec; Vol. 18 (1), pp. 2572009. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Oct 14. |
| Publikationsart: | Journal Article |
| Sprache: | English |
| Info zur Zeitschrift: | Publisher: Taylor & Francis Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 101496665 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1654-9880 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 16549880 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Glob Health Action Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: <2016- > : Philadelphia, PA : Taylor & Francis Original Publication: Häggeby : Co-Action Publishing |
| MeSH-Schlagworte: | Social Media* , Health Communication*/methods , Health Promotion*/methods, Humans ; Africa ; Health Literacy ; Trust |
| Abstract: | The rise of social media has transformed communication, allowing social media influencers to shape opinions and behaviors with unprecedented reach and engagement. In Africa, where traditional health campaigns often struggle to gain traction, social media influencers have the potential to provide a complementary platform and a unique avenue to engage young and targeted audiences, further enhancing the reach and impact of health information. This paper explores the role of influencers in health communication, highlighting their ability to drive trust, engagement, and behavioral change. Drawing on global and African case studies, it highlights the successes of influencer-led health campaigns, such as those promoting vaccinations and mental health awareness. While influencer-driven messaging has great potential, challenges such as misinformation, commercialization, and credibility concerns must be addressed. By strategically utilizing social media influencers, public health initiatives can enhance health literacy, overcome accessibility barriers, and drive positive health outcomes in Africa. |
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| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Africa; Social media; health communication; social media influencers Local Abstract: [plain-language-summary] Added knowledge : This paper highlights the transformative role of social media influencers in health communication, particularly in Africa, where traditional health campaigns may face outreach challenges. Global health impact for policy and action : By leveraging influencers’ trust and engagement with their audiences, policymakers can enhance public health messaging, improve health literacy, and drive positive behavior change on the continent. |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20251014 Date Completed: 20251014 Latest Revision: 20251017 |
| Update Code: | 20251017 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC12523457 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/16549716.2025.2572009 |
| PMID: | 41084403 |
| Datenbank: | MEDLINE |
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Nájsť tento článok vo Web of Science | Abstract: | The rise of social media has transformed communication, allowing social media influencers to shape opinions and behaviors with unprecedented reach and engagement. In Africa, where traditional health campaigns often struggle to gain traction, social media influencers have the potential to provide a complementary platform and a unique avenue to engage young and targeted audiences, further enhancing the reach and impact of health information. This paper explores the role of influencers in health communication, highlighting their ability to drive trust, engagement, and behavioral change. Drawing on global and African case studies, it highlights the successes of influencer-led health campaigns, such as those promoting vaccinations and mental health awareness. While influencer-driven messaging has great potential, challenges such as misinformation, commercialization, and credibility concerns must be addressed. By strategically utilizing social media influencers, public health initiatives can enhance health literacy, overcome accessibility barriers, and drive positive health outcomes in Africa. |
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| ISSN: | 1654-9880 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/16549716.2025.2572009 |