Health Information Literacy Research Articles

The Rising Challenge of Poor Health Literacy of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Preliminary Data Identify Important Unmet Needs in an Italian Cohort.

Health literacy (HL) is pivotal for the successful self-management of chronic diseases. Little HL information is currently available in SSc patients; therefore, the present study aims at evaluating the HL levels in an Italian cohort of SSc patients. SSc patients were enrolled with the support of Italian patient associations, from September 2022 to March 2023. Health literacy characteristics were derived from the Health Literacy Scale European Questionnaire-16 (HLS-EU-Q16), consisting of 16 items designed on a four-point Likert scale ranging from "very difficult" to "very easy", and three HL levels were identified: inadequate HL (0-8 score); problematic HL (9-12 score); and sufficient HL (13-16 score). Enrolled patients (n = 57, mean age = 59 years, SD = 13.2) were mostly female (98.2%), partnered (73.7%), and unemployed or retired (67.9%). Almost half of SSc patients were diagnosed more than 10 years ago, with first symptoms appearing on average 19 years ago (SD 10.5). In 63% of the participants, the overall health literacy skills were inadequate, or problematic, especially in the health care and disease prevention domains. Indeed, 49.2% of the patients declared difficulty in finding information on treatments for illnesses and where to get professional help (42.1%), 47.6% found difficulty in retrieving information on how to manage mental health problems, and 40.4% declared difficulties in judging whether the information on health risks in the media was reliable. Our findings show that SSc patients have inadequate or problematic levels of HL, suggesting the need for periodic screenings to uncover poor health literacy skills and to provide tailored and understandable educational material. This study was not registered.

Assessing the impact of health information orientation and health information literacy on patients’ engagement with health information

Health information engagement can help individuals to find and use reliable sources of health information to make informed decisions about their health. This helps to improve their health outcomes and prevent unnecessary healthcare costs. Drawing upon the cognitive behavioural theory, this pilot study postulated a model to understand that the consequences of information orientation in terms of information engagement (behaviour), information literacy (cognition) and information avoidance (behaviour) in post-COVID era under health context. Furthermore, the moderation effects of health information literacy (HIL) are also calculated in managing health information avoidance beahvior. This pilot study is conducted in the context of social media exposure to health information by diabetic patients in Pakistani community. The proposed model was tested using Partial Lease Square Structural Equational Modelling (PLS-SEM). The data were collected from 166 diabetic patients (active social media users) through a survey. The study findings suggest that health information orientation on social media leads to HIL and engagement. Whereas, it has significant negative impact towards health information avoidance behaviour. Furthermore, HIL significantly increases health information engagement of diabetic patients. Also, HIL moderates the relationship between health information orientation and information engagement positively, whereas between health information orientation and health information avoidance negatively.

Lessons learned for infodemics management in future health crises by studying the fear of COVID-19 impact on health information seeking of general population

PurposeThe higher-level aim of this study is to investigate the impact of health information needs satisfaction on the fear of COVID-19 for the general population. The investigation is theoretically grounded on Wilsons’ model of information seeking in the context of inquesting the reasons for seeking health information as well as the information sources the general population deploy during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional survey examines the correlations between health information seeking behavior and the COVID-19 generated fear in the general population through the application of a specially designed structured questionnaire which was distributed online. The questionnaire comprised four main distinct research dimensions (i.e. information needs, information sources, obstacles when seeking information and COVID-19 generated fear) that present significant validity levels.FindingsIndividuals were motivated to seek COVID-related health information to cope with the pandemic generated uncertainty. Information needs satisfaction as well as digital health literacy levels is associated with the COVID-19 generated fear in the general population. Finally, a conceptual framework based on Wilsons’ macro-model for information seeking behavior was developed to illustrate information needs satisfaction during the pandemic period. These results indicate the need for incentives to enhance health information needs satisfaction appropriately.Originality/valueThe COVID-19 generated fear in the general population is studied through the information seeking behavior lenses. A well-studied theoretical model for information seeking behavior is adopted for health-related information seeking during pandemic. Finally, digital health information literacy levels are also associated with the fear of COVID-19 reported in the authors’ survey.

The Influence of eHealth Literacy and Self-Efficacy on Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviour among University Students: Cyberchondria as a Mediator

COVID-19 has seen an increased reliance on online health information, raising concerns over cyberchondria, a condition characterised by excessive worry about health based on online information. This quantitative survey study examines the prevalence of cyberchondria and its correlation with eHealth literacy among 168 university students and their online health information-seeking behaviour. The results showed a significant negative correlation between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria, revealing that individuals with higher eHealth literacy were less likely to experience cyberchondria. This study also found that demographic factors such as age, gender, and education level were associated with cyberchondria. The findings suggest that eHealth literacy is an important protective factor against cyberchondria as individuals with higher eHealth literacy may be better able to critically evaluate online health information and avoid becoming overly anxious about their health. Thus, public health interventions should focus on improving eHealth literacy, especially for those with a heightened risk of cyberchondria, through online health information literacy courses and training healthcare providers on how to discuss cyberchondria with patients.

How Health Anxiety is Associated with Perceived Risk of Reinfection Among COVID-19 Infected People After the Epidemic Control Measures Lifted in China: A Multiple Mediating and Multi-Group Analysis.

After the lifting of epidemic control measures in China at the end of 2022, the number of COVID-19 infections has increased dramatically. Such an upsurge may intensify people's health anxiety and raise concerns about the risk of reinfection. While numerous studies have shown the correlation between them during the COVID-19, research on their underlying mechanism remains limited. This study aims to test the relationship and mechanism between health anxiety and perceived risk of reinfection among COVID-19 infected people from different occupational backgrounds. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 24th to 28th, 2022, after the epidemic control measures were lifted. A total of 1122 Chinese individuals were infected with COVID-19 (67.91% females, M age = 28.13) completed measures of health anxiety, perceived risk of reinfection, fear of COVID-19, online health information seeking (OHIS), and COVID-19 information fear of missing out (FOMO). Data were analyzed using multiple-mediation model and multi-group analysis. Health anxiety, perceived risk of reinfection, fear of COVID-19, OHIS and COVID-19 information FOMO were positively and significantly related to each other (r ranged from 0.25 to 0.77, all p < 0.001). Fear of COVID-19 (β = 0.27, p < 0.01), OHIS (β = 0.10, p < 0.001), and COVID-19 information FOMO (β = -0.05, p < 0.01) fully mediated the relationship between health anxiety and perceived risk of reinfection, the path of chaining mediation is also significant. Discrepancies in mediation models surfaced across the three types of work groups. Findings suggest fear of COVID-19, OHIS and COVID-19 information FOMO may play significant mediating roles in explaining the relationship between health anxiety and perceived risk of reinfection. Interventions to reduce the perceived risk of reinfection should aim to improve the quality of online health information and individuals' online health literacy and reduce fear of COVID-19 during and after the pandemic.

Relationship between Health Information Literacy Level and Health Management Behavior : A Focus on Patients with Diabetes

Relationship between Health Information Literacy Level and Health Management Behavior : A Focus on Patients with Diabetes

Current issues and status of mis/disinformation in the health library context: a rapid literature review

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused not only a pandemic and global health crisis but also widespread misinformation in social media and published literature (Epstein, 2022). Healthcare providers have an important role in informing patients and the public with relevant knowledge and to suppress misinformation at all information access points (Epstein, 2022). Healthcare workers are themselves also vulnerable to misinformation. Health sciences librarians have a responsibility to dispel this mis/disinformation via providing accurate resources and health information literacy.

Attitudes and experiences regarding preventive strategies for the deaf population in Western New York.

People for whom English is a second language, such as the deaf population, often have unequal access to health information and low health literacy. In the context of a wider study on risk of tick-borne illness in deaf communities, we explored barriers, opportunities, and nuances to accessible health information and communication among deaf people. Semi-structured qualitative individual and group interviews were conducted with 40 deaf people in upstate New York, to explore factors associated with health literacy and health information accessibility. Interviews were conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) by a deaf researcher fluent in ASL. Data analysis included the translation of ASL signs into English words, systematic coding, and generation of themes. A total of 21 interview events (mean time per interview = 41 minutes) were conducted. Two main themes and multiple sub-themes emerged from the data: 1) Layers of obstacles faced by deaf people confirms (or reinforces) exclusion; and 2) preventive information is unavailable or inaccessible to deaf people. Sub- themes identified in the results were perceptions of the deaf community and deaf culture, complex layers of obstacles faced by deaf individuals, the digital divide, the culture of communication, awareness of tick and tick-borne disease (TBD) diseases, importance of using certified deaf interpreters (CDI), health information dissemination strategies and collaborations with the education system, and physical/virtual community engagement. The data suggested several challenges to health literacy in the deaf population, including healthcare and education inequalities and negative perceptions of deaf people by both deaf and hearing people. Improving health literacy in the deaf population requires more interpreters who themselves are deaf ("certified deaf interpreters"), provision of health information in ASL, and a greater engagement with the deaf population by education and healthcare systems.

An empirical evaluation of the predictors and consequences of social media health-misinformation seeking behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeDrawing upon social cognitive theory, this study aims to investigate the potential predictors and consequences of social media health-misinformation seeking behavior during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 230 international students studying at Wuhan University and Beijing Language and Cultural University, China, this study employs structural equation modeling to analyze the collected data.FindingsThe results indicate that personal factors such as lack of health information literacy, environmental factors, information overload and social media peer influence have a significant effect on behavior, namely social media health-misinformation seeking behavior, which further influences outcomes, namely social media users' anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, both lack of health information literacy and social media peer influence have significant and direct effects on social media users' anxiety. However, the direct effect of information overload on social media users' anxiety is insignificant.Originality/valueFirst, this study contributes to the literature on the individuals' social media health-misinformation seeking behavior, its precursors and its consequences, specifically on their mental healthcare during a pandemic situation. Second, this research is one of the pioneer studies that extend social cognitive theory to the context of social media health-misinformation seeking behavior and users' anxiety relationship.

Knowledge of atopic dermatitis and food allergies, as well as health information literacy, among North Korean refugee mothers: a descriptive survey study.

This study investigated knowledge of atopic dermatitis and food allergies, as well as health information literacy, among North Korean refugee mothers with preschool-age children and explored how these variables were related to participants' characteristics. A descriptive study design was used. Data from 130 North Korean refugee mothers were collected between January and March 2023. The mean scores were 14.48 of 30 for atopic dermatitis knowledge; 2.77 of 10 for food allergy knowledge, and 56.95 of 80 for health information literacy. Significant differences were observed in knowledge of atopic dermatitis based on breastfeeding duration (F=4.12, p=.009), and in knowledge of food allergies based on mixed feeding (F=3.11, p=.049). Health information literacy showed significant relationships with education level (F=3.76, p=.026), occupation (F=3.99, p=.021), checking nutritional information (t=2.91, p=.004), mixed feeding (F=4.50, p=.014), and atopic dermatitis diagnosis (t=6.86, p=.001). Significant positive correlations were observed between atopic dermatitis knowledge, food allergy knowledge, and health information literacy. Personalized educational programs should be implemented to improve awareness of allergies and health information literacy among North Korean refugee mothers, which would help them find, evaluate, and understand health-related information. These programs should focus on providing nutrition and dietary education to promote healthy growth in children and prevent diseases.

Sharing Reliable COVID-19 Information and Countering Misinformation: In-Depth Interviews With Information Advocates.

The rampant spread of misinformation about COVID-19 has been linked to a lower uptake of preventive behaviors such as vaccination. Some individuals, however, have been able to resist believing in COVID-19 misinformation. Further, some have acted as information advocates, spreading accurate information and combating misinformation about the pandemic. This work explores highly knowledgeable information advocates' perspectives, behaviors, and information-related practices. To identify participants for this study, we used outcomes of survey research of a national sample of 1498 adults to find individuals who scored a perfect or near-perfect score on COVID-19 knowledge questions and who also self-reported actively sharing or responding to news information within the past week. Among this subsample, we selected a diverse sample of 25 individuals to participate in a 1-time, phone-based, semistructured interview. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the team conducted an inductive thematic analysis. Participants reported trusting in science, data-driven sources, public health, medical experts, and organizations. They had mixed levels of trust in various social media sites to find reliable health information, noting distrust in particular sites such as Facebook (Meta Platforms) and more trust in specific accounts on Twitter (X Corp) and Reddit (Advance Publications). They reported relying on multiple sources of information to find facts instead of depending on their intuition and emotions to inform their perspectives about COVID-19. Participants determined the credibility of information by cross-referencing it, identifying information sources and their potential biases, clarifying information they were unclear about with health care providers, and using fact-checking sites to verify information. Most participants reported ignoring misinformation. Others, however, responded to misinformation by flagging, reporting, and responding to it on social media sites. Some described feeling more comfortable responding to misinformation in person than online. Participants' responses to misinformation posted on the internet depended on various factors, including their relationship to the individual posting the misinformation, their level of outrage in response to it, and how dangerous they perceived it could be if others acted on such information. This research illustrates how well-informed US adults assess the credibility of COVID-19 information, how they share it, and how they respond to misinformation. It illustrates web-based and offline information practices and describes how the role of interpersonal relationships contributes to their preferences for acting on such information. Implications of our findings could help inform future training in health information literacy, interpersonal information advocacy, and organizational information advocacy. It is critical to continue working to share reliable health information and debunk misinformation, particularly since this information informs health behaviors.

Pregnancy-Related Information-Seeking Behavior and Information Literacy Profiles of Women at Reproductive Age

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to capture pregnancy-related information seeking behavior of women and its correlation with socio-economic status and with Internet health information literacy profiles. A user survey based on Wilson’s’ macro-model of information seeking behavior was designed and carried out. The survey included 289 women at reproductive age who provided valid feedback on information needs, motives for seeking pregnancy-related information online, information resources employed and Internet information literacy. Responses were collected via an anonymous questionnaire and processed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 25.0. The results demonstrate that women have increased information needs during pregnancy, that they are primarily concerned about the health of their embryos and that they tend to turn mainly to their doctors, their family and to the Web for obtaining pregnancy-related information. Internet is most used by younger women and online information is generally deemed useful. The analysis of survey responses indicated that pregnancy-related information literacy profiles are influenced by women’s educational status and age. Official online information sources should be made available in Greece, where women could find useful and trusted information about pregnancy issues.

Media exposure, trustworthiness of sources and the health information literacy knowledge gap: a study in China.

Health information literacy (HIL), as an essential part of the wellbeing of citizens, is a crucial indicator used to measure a country's primary public health level. The present study collected 1051 samples in southern China to examine the factors predicting HIL. The results showed that males, those less educated, and older adults had lower HIL. Television exposure, unofficial Internet exposure, trust in government and trust in doctors and medical institutions were positively associated with HIL. In contrast, newspapers, radio exposure and trust in web celebrities were negatively associated with HIL. Official Internet media exposure helps to bridge the HIL knowledge gap generated by differences in education level, while trust in celebrities-especially web celebrities-could widen the HIL knowledge gap. This study extends the knowledge gap theory in health communication in the Chinese context and provides pathways for future health interventions.

Assessing the digital information literacy of patients during COVID-19 pandemic: Al-Razi Hospital, Kuwait

People have displayed an overuse of online platforms such as social media to seek information about COVID–19, in which there are misleading information and enormous infodemics on the Internet. This study aims to investigate hospital patients' digital health information literacy during the COVID–19 pandemic. The study followed a quantitative approach. A paper-based questionnaire was distributed to a sample of patients at Al-Razi hospital in Kuwait. The questionnaire consisted of three main sections: dimension of digital health information literacy, online information sources used by participants to search for COVID–19 information, and key topics searched during the pandemic. The target population comprised of regular patients at Al-Razi Hospital, aged 18 to 60. A total of 136 responses were collected. The study found that the most pronounced particulars in digital health information literacy assessed the salience of online content, searching for information on COVID–19, and inputting self-generated data. Search engines, social media, and the websites of public bodies were the most used sources for information on COVID–19 and related issues. The main topics that the respondents searched for included COVID–19 symptoms, its transmission, and current spread. This study shows that the overall level of health information literacy is good. However, it is essential to improve patients' digital health information literacy by using tailored interventions. These interventions can improve the quality of health information circulated online, implement fact-checking techniques on social media, and educate those who produce, supply, and provide health information and services digitally.

Married Indonesian Women’s Everyday Health-Information Literacy Related to COVID-19

ABSTRACT This paper presents a study about the everyday health information literacy (EHIL) related to COVID-19 of 394 married women in a suburban city in West Java Province, Indonesia. This study aimed to understand married Indonesian women’s EHIL related to COVID-19 and identify topics searched for by married Indonesian women on everyday health information related to COVID-19. The findings reveal that most married Indonesian women studied had a relatively high level of health information literacy regarding COVID-19 (3.81 mean value) and tended to search for healthy lifestyle topics related to COVID-19 for daily health information (n = 298, 75.63%).

E-health literacy and associated factors among Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: age-group differences.

The purpose of this study was to compare the mean scores of e-health literacy, health information, social relationships, and psychological status between younger, middle-aged, and older Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the factors associated with e-health literacy as well as the moderating effect of age on the association between health information factors and e-health literacy. We used a cross-sectional survey of 2400 Korean adults aged 20 years or older residing in Seoul. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, chi-square test, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings demonstrated an age-group difference in the mean score of e-health literacy with the older group having lower e-health literacy than the other groups. Health information, social support, and COVID-19-related anxiety were associated with e-health literacy and a moderating effect of age on the association between sources of health information and e-health literacy was also identified among the three age subgroups. This study emphasizes the importance of identifying e-health-related risk factors leading to health disparities between age groups.

LITERASI INFORMASI KESEHATAN PADA FENOMENA DIAGNOSIS MANDIRI COVID-19 MELALUI SUMBERDAYA ONLINE

This phenomenon of self diagnose through online resources in the era of the covid-19 pandemic is something that is dangerous in the diagnosis process. Information literacy about health plays an important role in the process of self-diagnosis of this phenomenon. This study will discuss how the experience of health information literacy is for patients who self-diagnose through online resources in the era of the covid-19 pandemic. This study will use a qualitative method by integrating a phenomenological approach and the seven pillars of information literacy standards. The results of this study show that there are physical and psychological vulnerabilities, which have an impact on information neglect, the quality of health information that makes patients depressed, and corrective actions from expert informants and references.&#x0D; Keywords: health literacy information, online resources, phenomenology, self-diagnosis

Are exposure to health information and media health literacy associated with fruit and vegetable consumption?

BackgroundHealth information promotes a healthy lifestyle; however, media health literacy (MHL) is essential to personal intake, especially fruit and vegetables (F&V). This study aimed to determine how exposure to health information and MHL affect F&V consumption among Thai youth aged 10–14 years. Health behavior at this age can be an important determinant of consumption habits when transitioning into adulthood.MethodsA stratified two-stage sample survey was conducted to recruit 1,871 youth across regions to be nationally representative. Qualtrics offline survey application was used for data collection face-to-face with all respondents. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the explanatory variables on fruit consumption and vegetable consumption.ResultsThis study found that almost 70% of Thai youth were exposed to health-related content via the Internet, and had low analytical skills to process that information. Grade Point Average (GPA), exposure to health information, various media types, frequency of exposure to health information, and MHL influenced the frequency of F&V intake. Health status related to fruit intake, age, place of residence, amount of pocket money, and body mass index (BMI) were associated with F&V consumption.ConclusionExposure to health information and MHL are associated with F&V intake. Therefore, exposure to health information and MHL should be addressed for policy formulation in Thai schools and the health system.

Exploring the Relationship between Health Information Literacy and Health Behaviors of the Elderly.

Population aging and health issues are one of the most crucial issues worldwide. Health behaviors are the most direct factor affecting the health of the elderly. This study aims to explore the relationship between the health information literacy and health behaviors of the elderly. A hypothesis model for the influence of health information literacy on health behaviors of the elderly was constructed. Based on survey data of 382 elderly people aged 60 and above in Hangzhou, China, from March 2022 to May 2022, the relationship between the health information literacy and health behaviors of the elderly was studied by using quantitative statistics and the structural equation model. The health information literacy of the elderly had a significant positive impact on their health behaviors (P<0.01). Health information seeking played a partial mediating role between health information literacy and health behaviors. Social support exerted a significant moderating effect between health information literacy and health behaviors (P<0.05) and between health information literacy and health information seeking (P<0.05). Health information literacy is the decisive factor of the elderly's health behaviors. The higher level of health information literacy, the more health information seeking, thus promoting more active health behaviors.

Nurses’ incentives for participation in continuous professional education activities and their health information literacy levels amid the covid-19 pandemic

Background: Digital health information literacy is a prerequisite for Continuing Nursing Education (CNE). CNE has a positive impact on the improvement of healthcare quality as well as to healthcare personnel’s knowledge and skills. Aim: To investigate the incentives for participating in CNE activities the nurses from “Ippokrateio” General Hospital of Thessaloniki demonstrate. Also, the relation to their digital health literacy levels during the Covid-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: 120/130 employees of the hospital’s nursing personnel (response rate: 92.3%) took part in the cross-sectional study from February to April 2021. The participants were asked to complete an anonymous, structured, closed-ended questionnaire, formulated by the Participation Reasons Scale and e-HEALS. Data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS 21.0 Results: Nurses were motivated mainly to receive CNE in order to improve their professional skills and provide better services to patients. Those with better digital health information literacy levels regarded highly all incentives’ categories; professional skills improvement and better services provided to patients, (b) personal benefits gain and job security, (c) professional engagement and (d) learning and interacting with colleagues. Those of younger age considered more important to improve their professional skills and provide better services to patients, while those working under fixed-term contracts, professional engagement, personal benefit and job security. Nurses having children acknowledged as more important the personal benefit and job security incentives. Conclusions: Nurses with higher digital health information literacy levels were keener in participating in CNE activities, as presented more motivated.