Development of HELISC Health Literacy, Information and Social Capital Model

Abstract

Abstract Issues The literature and the interest of health professional on health information has grown rapidly during the last few years, but theory guiding this growth is lacking. The purpose of this article is to describe a developed model on Health Literacy, Information and Social Capital (HELISC) Model. Methods HELISc Model was based on the idea of a world of interrelated connections from virtual and traditional life without separation. Social capital represents the degree of social cohesion that exists in communities, furthermore social capital is recognised as the establishment between people of networks, norms, and social trust, and facilitate co-operation for mutual benefit. In evaluating the level of health-seeking information with social networks, it emerged that individuals, after obtaining the information requested, established ties with other individuals, similar to the development of social capital. Results The combination of interrelated connections from virtual and traditional life without separation leads to conscious action. This conscious action of health is given by the sum of antecedents (individual and environmental), by the formulation of the informative needs, by the reference information channels (offline/online), which leads to a conscious action. While the information-seeking activity can be labeled as a conscious action, the cohesion among individuals derived by the information exchange in the form of social support and social capital is unconscious. This model shows that there is not only the individual's interest in obtaining the information sought, but the development of a parallel mutual support leading to the development of social capital. Conclusions This model considers how virtual social network could be potentially considered as a new way to develop mutual support despite geographical distance and differences between individuals. More research is needed to support with evidence this model. Key messages Social capital and virtual health information, a new discover. Without Helisc model we don't understand influence of health information.