Animated infographics for health education: scoping review

Animated infographics have been increasingly applied in health education, as they are effective educational resources for improving knowledge and health outcomes, with the potential to address diverse learning needs. This scoping review aimed to map the animated infographics available in scientific literature as tools for health education of patients, students, and/or health professionals. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist. Searches were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, BDENF, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, CAPES Theses and Dissertations Catalog, EBSCO Open Dissertations, and the OATD and RCAAP databases between January and February 2025. Two independent researchers conducted the screening, selection and analysis of the included studies. The data were analyzed descriptively. A total of 740 studies were identified, 33 of which met the inclusion criteria and included 46 animated infographics. The duration of animated infographics ranged from 40 seconds to 16 minutes and 32 seconds. The reported audiovisual features included text, images, animations, audio, narration, captions, mascots, and characters. The evidence highlighted animated infographics as appropriate, valid, illustrative, and facilitative educational tools, reinforcing their potential as innovative resources for health education. Only two studies reported positive results of educational interventions mediated by animated infographics, such as improved knowledge and the intention to change behavior. These findings can support health professionals and educators in developing and implementing health education interventions using animated infographics.