Work

Countering misinformation about prenatal Tylenol use and autism: a study of U.S. women's intentions and determinants

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Health misinformation about the relationship between prenatal Tylenol (acetaminophen) use and autism has generated considerable public debate, particularly in digital communication environments. Drawing on a national survey of adult women in the United States, this study examines factors associated with intentions to correct misinformation about this issue online. Methods In December 2025, we conducted a national online survey that included both closed-ended and open-ended questions to explore perceptions of the Tylenol controversy, digital information competence, civic mindedness, and willingness to address misinformation. A quota sampling strategy was employed to ensure representation across race, ethnicity, and geographic region. Results Quantitative findings indicate that digital information competence, civic mindedness, and issue-related engagement are positively associated with intentions to correct misinformation in digital spaces. Women who reported greater confidence in evaluating online information and stronger commitments to civic participation were more likely to express a willingness to challenge misleading claims. Qualitative responses provide additional insight into how women interpret contested health information, evaluate scientific evidence, and navigate uncertainty within broader debates about women's health and medication safety. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that responses to health misinformation are shaped by a combination of individual competencies, civic orientations, and engagement with the issue. Discussion civic engagement in promoting corrective action in online environments. More broadly, the results underscore women's active role in shaping public conversations about health, as they engage in everyday practices of evaluating claims, questioning misinformation, and contributing to collective understandings of health risks and responsibility in digital spaces.

Source: Frontiers in Communication

DOI: 10.3389/fcomm.2026.1895866