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Health disinformation undermines public trust, fuels harmful decisions, and exacerbates public health crises. It can lead to vaccine hesitancy, misuse of treatments, and delays in care while straining healthcare systems and economies.
Social media amplifies false narratives, complicating efforts to combat health disinformation. Below are some ridiculous health claims that trended in 2024 and were verified by DUBAWA.
- Washing the vagina with fingers is healthy
On June 21, 2024, a blog site, Instablog, posted a video of popular Nigerian blogger Speed Darlington on its X platform, who, while discussing his sexual escapades with his partners, advised women to wash their vaginas. He advised that women should insert their fingers to wash the vagina to keep it clean.
When we checked, we saw that studies had linked gel sanitisers, intimate washes, and douching to increased risks of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, UTIs, and pelvic inflammatory disease. These practices disrupt the vagina’s natural bacterial balance, leaving it vulnerable to infections and other health issues. Experts emphasise that the vagina is self-cleansing and warn against using soaps, perfumes, or invasive hygiene methods. Women experiencing unusual discharge or odour are advised to consult a healthcare provider.
- Eating once daily is healthy
On May 12, 2024, an X user, @Mrlekan123, posted that eating once daily is healthy. The post reads, “Eating once a day is actually very healthy.” It also generated other conversations and reactions from the platform users, who expressed support, disbelief, and scepticism at the post.
As we verified, there is insufficient evidence that eating once daily is healthy. While some studies suggest benefits like weight loss, others show potential risks like increased cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Waking without a penile erection is a sign of poor health
On Apr. 27, 2024, an X user shared a post claiming that waking up without a penile erection is a sign of poor health. The claimant added that consuming clove extract once daily for three days will help with penile erection, especially in the morning.
Thanks to verified studies and expert opinions, we found that the absence of morning erections is not a sign of poor health. Additionally, clove extract does not enhance penile erections, as stated.
- Taking Panadol with carbonated drinks kills
A post circulated in different WhatsApp groups on Feb. 6, 2024, warning people against using carbonated drinks to take Panadol. The message also appeared to be endorsed by notable doctors in the state.
While assessing the viral claim about doctors warning against taking drugs with carbonated drinks, we saw that the claim originated from an old, recurring narrative, with the Nigerian Medical Association and Lagos University Teaching Hospital denying any connection. One named doctor also disassociated himself, calling it a scam. Experts confirm that soft drinks and juices can interfere with medication absorption and cause adverse effects.
- Women menstruating through their palms and toes
On Nov. 12, 2024, Facebook user Faith Awudu Achonmakai asked if people know women can menstruate through their palms and toes. She wrote, “Do you know some ladies menstruate through their palms and toes?”
DUBAWA’s findings reveal that while endometriosis is a real condition that can cause pain and symptoms in various parts of the body during menstruation, it does not lead to menstruation through unconventional body parts like the palms and toes. Menstruation occurs only through the vagina.
