Pandemic Preparedness and the Infodemic: Communication Strategies to Mitigate Misinformation and Improve Public Compliance (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Misinformation during pandemics undermines public health interventions, reduces compliance with preventive measures, and exacerbates disease spread. Evidence suggests that communication strategies, socio-demographic factors, policy frameworks, and technology-mediated interventions critically influence the management of misinformation. Understanding these determinants is essential for enhancing pandemic preparedness and mitigating infodemics. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to (1) assess the impact of public health communication on misinformation management, (2) evaluate socio-demographic, cultural, and technological determinants influencing communication effectiveness, (3) examine policy frameworks and crisis communication models, and (4) identify the role of technology-mediated interventions in countering misinformation during pandemics. METHODS Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, WHO repositories, and preprint servers for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Eligibility included peer-reviewed studies or reports addressing pandemic communication and misinformation. Data extraction captured study characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and key findings. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A narrative synthesis was performed due to heterogeneity. RESULTS Of 1,300 records screened, 114 studies met the inclusion criteria. Public health communication interventions (n=52) reduced misinformation, with timely government campaigns improving trust by 25-40% and social media monitoring reducing false content by 30-45%. Socio-demographic factors (n=47) significantly affected outcomes: higher education and urban residence increased message adherence by 20-35%, while low digital literacy reduced intervention reach by 15-25%. Policy frameworks (n=32) implementing CERC and RCCE improved public compliance by 18-28%, and multi-agency coordination reduced confusion. Technology-mediated interventions (n=42), including AI monitoring, tele-epidemiology, and youth-led campaigns, improved misinformation detection and engagement, enhancing adherence by 22-38%. CONCLUSIONS Integrated, multi-level, culturally tailored, and technologically adaptive strategies are essential for effective misinformation management. Policymakers should implement multi-platform communication strategies, strengthen community engagement, and deploy AI-based monitoring for real-time misinformation management. Thus, strategic communication interventions enhance public trust, improve compliance, and reduce misinformation-related health risks during pandemics.