JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Health misinformation has intensified globally, especially in digital environments, where low health and media literacy increase vulnerability. In this context, the MEDIATICH program of the University of Zaragoza launched OCODES, a participatory digital initiative designed to promote health media literacy and provide evidence based information through a web platform and social media channels.

Objective:

To describe the development of the OCODES strategy using two sequential Nominal Group Technique (NGT) sessions and to report preliminary usability and acceptability results of its website after six months of activity.

Methods:

NGT 1 (n=15) aimed to identify and prioritize interventions to strengthen health literacy, while NGT 2 (n=18) translated selected priorities into concrete digital products, including website structure, social media selection, content lines, and interaction mechanisms. Six months after launch, usability and acceptability were assessed through an online questionnaire disseminated via the OCODES website and social media. Usability was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS), while acceptability was assessed through perceived usefulness (1–5 Likert scale) and willingness to recommend the website. In addition, Google Analytics provided web usage metrics.

Results:

NGT 1 generated 11 interventions grouped into four categories. Digital actions were prioritized as the core strategy: a health dissemination portal and social media misinformation counteracting interventions each achieved 93.3% agreement (14/15). NGT 2 defined the digital architecture of OCODES, including a central website and presence on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and established guiding principles such as transparency, scientific rigor, accessibility, and clear communication. A total of 99 adults completed the usability survey (65.7% women; mean age 44.7±12.54 years). The mean SUS score was 83.10±10.09, with 94.9% achieving adequate usability (SUS≥68). Perceived usefulness scored 4.52±0.71, and 97.9% of participants reported they would recommend the site. Web metrics showed 5,769 new users, 1,935 returning users, 19,003 page views, a bounce rate of 53.32%, 3.28 pages per active user, and 4.95 events per session, indicating strong initial engagement.

Conclusions:

OCODES is a feasible and well accepted digital strategy developed through a participatory, consensus driven process. Its high usability, positive user perception, and encouraging early engagement metrics support its potential as a tool to counter health misinformation. Future efforts should focus on reaching vulnerable populations, expanding evaluation approaches, and assessing long term impact.