Improving Health Information Literacy of Early Adolescents Using a Lead Poisoning Curriculum

Abstract

The purpose of this community outreach project was to improve health information literacy skills and lead poisoning knowledge in underserved early adolescents. An interactive curriculum focusing on one website (MedlinePlus) and one health issue (lead poisoning) was developed and used at an inner city school. Pre- and post-program surveys were used to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum. Results showed statistically significant improvements in both health information literacy skills and lead poisoning knowledge of 42 sixth graders. University-led community outreach collaborations to deliver an interactive curriculum in the school setting is a successful model for teaching health information literacy skills to early adolescents

Health literacy and libraries: a literature review

“…There are several examples of partnerships between libraries and other organizations to improve health literacy among adolescents. Librarians at a university in Massachusetts developed a health information curriculum for students at a local elementary school that introduced students to the concept of health information literacy with the help of interactive activities facilitated by PharmD students (Friel et al, 2015). In five sessions, students were instructed on the concept of health information literacy and the use of MedlinePlus to find and evaluate health information (Friel et al, 2015).…”

“…Librarians at a university in Massachusetts developed a health information curriculum for students at a local elementary school that introduced students to the concept of health information literacy with the help of interactive activities facilitated by PharmD students (Friel et al, 2015). In five sessions, students were instructed on the concept of health information literacy and the use of MedlinePlus to find and evaluate health information (Friel et al, 2015). Surveys showed increased awareness of MedlinePlus as an online health information resource and increased knowledge of evaluating reliable health information sources (Friel et al, 2015).…”

“…In five sessions, students were instructed on the concept of health information literacy and the use of MedlinePlus to find and evaluate health information (Friel et al, 2015). Surveys showed increased awareness of MedlinePlus as an online health information resource and increased knowledge of evaluating reliable health information sources (Friel et al, 2015).…”