Information and Health Literacy in the Balance: Findings from a Study Exploring the Use of ICTs in Weight Management

Abstract

This article uses findings from a UK Department of Health funded research study known as Net.Weight to reflect on the concept of information literacy as it relates to consumer health. It explores how the results support and develop an understanding of information and health literacy and it offers recommendations for policy and practice. The study was located in the city of Brighton & Hove and examined the potential for information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support people who were self-managing their weight. The research comprised five interlocking components, at the heart of which was a series of participatory learning workshops designed to develop participant skills in relation to ICTs, information, and health literacy. The results indicate that a broader and more social understanding of information literacy is needed to ensure a better "fit" between the provision and use of health information. They also indicate that ICTs can augment information provision and support activities, but that a "blended" approach is necessary, where online and 'real world' communication work in tandem.

Health Literacy in Web-Based Health Information Environments: Systematic Review of Concepts, Definitions, and Operationalization for Measurement

“…The health literacy definition adopted by the WHO and outlined by Nutbeam [39], stressing on both cognitive and social skills of an individual in the process of building motivation and understanding health information, was cited in 4 studies [83-86]. The health literacy definition by the American Medical Association [40] focused on individuals’ skills to perform tasks on reading comprehension and numeracy.…”

“…In their study, health knowledge was measured by asking respondents to indicate the plausibility of 7 health statements [44]. Other types of measures identified were a skill-based health literacy performance test [74] and qualitative assessment of health-related information literacy [86].…”

“…For example, in a study by Woods et al [99], the study participants completed 11 different questionnaires that measured health knowledge, health literacy, and internet and computer skills. In 1 study [86], a qualitative assessment of health and information literacy was conducted.…”

“…Almost all the studies that adopted a general health literacy concept screen participants’ internet use [56,57,59,61-68,70, 71,74,77,80,84,86,87], usually with a simple yes or no question. In 4 studies [60,61,66,68] computer or internet literacy was measured, although in 2 of these, this means screening the internet use of the participants.…”

Everyday health information literacy among young men compared with adults with high risk for metabolic syndrome – a cross-sectional population-based study

“…Research on HIL has mainly focused on health professionals and the roles of libraries and librarians in the promotion of HIL [15, 16]. In everyday life settings HIL has been studied among upper secondary school students [3], young men [1], adults attempting to manage their weight [17] and older adults [18–21]. These studies indicate that there are significant differences in HIL based on individuals’ age, education, economical situation and health status.…”