As a Doctoral Researcher at Åbo Akademi University, I investigated health information-seeking behavior among Persian-speaking minorities in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research was part of my PhD study and was funded by the OTTO A. MALM FOUNDATION and KAKS (Municipal Sector Development Foundation). The project aimed to provide evidence-based insights into how non-native minorities accessed, evaluated, and utilized health information during a global health crisis, contributing to improved public health communication strategies.

Specifically, I contributed to:

• Developing a theoretical framework based on the extended Longo health information model to examine how Persian-speaking minorities sought and processed health-related information.
• Conducting qualitative research, utilizing semi-structured interviews to explore information-seeking behaviors, sources of trust, and challenges in navigating Finland’s healthcare system.
• Analyzing barriers to health information access, including language, digital literacy, misinformation, and trust in public health authorities.

I designed and implemented qualitative data collection strategies, ensuring methodological rigor in capturing immigrants’ lived experiences during the pandemic. Additionally, I applied thematic analysis techniques to uncover patterns in health information-seeking behavior and identify key factors influencing trust, misinformation exposure, and health decision-making.

Findings from this research have been published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, including Library & Information Science Research (Jufo 3) and Journal of Documentation (Jufo 3). These publications contribute to academic discussions on health communication, immigrant information behavior, and crisis response strategies. My work supports policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health institutions in developing inclusive, evidence-based approaches to healthcare communication for minority populations, particularly in times of crisis.