The HCT Index: a typology and index of health conspiracy theories with examples of use

Background:Conspiracy theories regarding vaccination programmes, medical side effects, and cover-ups by governments or pharmaceutical companies are prevalent in many countries have highly detrimental far-reaching effects on people’s wellbeing. For research policymaking public health, it is vital to understand the nature, construction dissemination of these health conspiracy (HCTs). Inspired tale typologies developed folkloristics, this paper presents a typology index international HCTs as tool for researchers identify categorise they come across, provide pool examples which could be used various fields research. To illustrate this, two studies also presented (Study 1 Study 2).Methods:HCTs were collected from relevant academic literature, news journalism, survey known health-related, general theorist websites, web searches based around HCTs. From 14 core types identified, numbered was constructed with brief descriptions, examples, motifs. HCT exposure belief UK. 2 focus group discussion rumours rural Sri Lanka including HCTs.Results:The Index provides valuable insights into found that familiarity high: 97% Britons familiar at least one 49% believed likely true. highlighted concerns over threats fertility about how verify information falls outside typical experience.Conclusions:The useful framework future cross-cultural As encompasses wide range beliefs can more effectively categorized compared and, ultimately, challenged.