RT journal article
T1 Drivers of health polarization during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review
A1 Camacho García, María
A1 Serrano-Macias, M.
A1 Ortega Martín, María Esther
A1 Álvarez Gálvez, Javier
A2 Economía General
K1 COVID-19 pandemic
K1 Public Health
K1 Social Media
K1 Socioeconomic Factors
AB Health polarization has emerged as a critical factor shaping public health attitudes and behaviors, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides a systematic review of the key determinants driving health polarization, highlighting the complex interplay of political, social, economic, and psychological factors. By synthesizing findings from 90 studies, we identify six primary drivers: political ideology and partisanship, misinformation and disinformation, social media structures and dynamics, trust in health institutions and professionals, risk and public health perceptions, and socioeconomic factors. Our analysis reveals how these determinants reinforce societal divisions, exacerbate health inequalities, and influence adherence to public health measures. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these findings for designing effective interventions that address the root causes of health polarization. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these divisions is essential for mitigating their negative impact on public health and fostering more cohesive, evidence-based health communication strategies.
PB American Association for the Advancement of Science
SN 2375-2548
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/39553
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/39553
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 08-nov-2026