Bridging the gap: a multimethod study protocol for developing and validating a media health literacy framework in the Iranian health system.

backgroundMedia Health Literacy (MHL) is essential for individuals to access, evaluate, and apply health information from diverse media sources, particularly in the digital era, where misinformation is prevalent. While its global significance is widely recognized, many health systems—particularly in low- and middle-income settings—lack structured, evidence-informed frameworks tailored to their specific sociocultural and policy environments. Bridging this gap is essential to strengthen public health communication, promote informed decision-making, and counteract the spread of health misinformation. This protocol outlines a multimethod approach to developing and validating a context-specific MHL framework within the Iranian health system, which may serve as a model for similar contexts worldwide.

methodsThis study will use a multimethod research design and is structured into four phases. In the first phase, a conventional content analysis qualitative study, including focus group discussions and also in-depth interviews with the general public and semi-structured interviews with experts will be conducted to exploring experiences and perspectives of different stakeholders on framework requirements for MHL in Iran’s health system. In the second Phase a scoping review will be carried to identifying key components of MHL frameworks globally and their challenges in implementation. In the third phase an initial MHL theoretical framework, will be designed from integrating findings Phases 1 and 2, with input from an expert panel of health education and healthcare professionals. Finally at fourth phase this framework will be validated using the Delphi technique, where experts will assess the framework’s feasibility and scientific credibility. DISCUSSION: This study amies to develop a culturally tailored MHL framework for the Iranian health system. Its implementation is expected to strengthen health decision-making and reduce misinformation, particularly in vulnerable populations. Although context-specific, the framework’s modular design and methodological transparency support its adaptation in other low- and middle-income countries. The study’s participatory approach enhances relevance, while its contribution to global health literacy research offers broader implications for policy and system-level interventions.