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Adolescent Health Literacy: The Importance of Credible Sources for Online Health Information
Author(s) -
Ghaddar Suad F.,
Valerio Melissa A.,
Garcia Carolyn M.,
Hansen Lucy
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2011.00664.x
Subject(s) - health literacy , medicine , health education , health promotion , literacy , health information national trends survey , family medicine , ehealth , curriculum , public health , environmental health , gerontology , health information , nursing , psychology , health care , pedagogy , economics , economic growth
BACKGROUND: Little research has examined adolescent health literacy and its relationship with online health information sources. The purpose of this study is to explore health literacy among a predominantly Hispanic adolescent population and to investigate whether exposure to a credible source of online health information, MedlinePlus ® , is associated with higher levels of health literacy. METHODS: An online survey was administered to a cross‐sectional random sample of high school students in South Texas. Self‐reported sociodemographic characteristics and data on health‐information‐seeking behavior and exposure to MedlinePlus ® were collected. Health literacy was assessed by eHEALS and the Newest Vital Sign (NVS). Linear and binary logistic regressions were completed. RESULTS: Of the 261 students who completed the survey, 56% had heard of MedlinePlus ® , 52% had adequate levels of health literacy as measured by NVS, and the mean eHEALS score was 30.6 (possible range 8‐40). Health literacy was positively associated with self‐efficacy and seeking health information online. Exposure to MedlinePlus ® was associated with higher eHealth literacy scores (p < . 001) and increased the likelihood of having adequate health literacy (odds ratio: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1, 4.1). CONCLUSION: Exposure to a credible source of online health information is associated with higher levels of health literacy. The incorporation of a credible online health information resource into school health education curricula is a promising approach for promoting health literacy.