Counteracting sexual and reproductive health misperceptions: Investigating the roles of stigma, misinformation exposure, and information overload

Abstract

ObjectiveSexual and reproductive health (SRH) misperceptions constitute a critical precursor to undesired health outcomes for women. Drawing on the model of stigma management communication and exposure effects, we aimed to investigate the underlying processes of SRH misperceptions. MethodsA nationwide survey was conducted via quota sampling with Chinese women (N = 1000). Structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation and 5000 bootstrapping resamples were used to test the hypotheses. ResultsStigma perceptions positively predicted information avoidance (β = 0.207, p < 0.001), which, in turn, was positively associated with misperceptions (β = 0.195, p < 0.001). Misinformation exposure significantly predicted misperceptions (β = 0.607, p < 0.001), and this relationship was mediated by information avoidance (β = 0.020, 95% CI [0.007, 0.040]). Moreover, information overload strengthened the relationship between misinformation exposure and information avoidance (β = 0.153, p < 0.001) as well as the relationship between misinformation exposure and misperceptions (β = 0.077, p = 0.006). ConclusionStigma and misinformation exposure play prominent roles in the formation of SRH misperceptions. Information overload facilitates the misinformation-misperception transformation. Practice ImplicationsTo counteract SRH misperceptions, health education should alleviate SRH stigma perceptions and strategically design messages to avoid information avoidance and overload.