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Writer's pictureElvis Leighton

Digital Health Literacy: How to Evaluate Online Health Information and Avoid Misinformation


The internet has revolutionized the way we access health information. With just a few clicks, we can find answers to our health-related questions, learn about new treatments and therapies, and connect with others who share similar health concerns. However, the internet is also a breeding ground for misinformation, myths, and misconceptions about health.

In this digital age, it's essential to possess digital health literacy skills to effectively evaluate online health information and avoid misinformation. Digital health literacy refers to the ability to seek, find, evaluate, and apply online health information to make informed health decisions (Norman & Skinner, 2006).



The Importance of Digital Health Literacy


Low health literacy is a significant public health concern, affecting approximately 36% of adults in the United States (Diviani et al., 2017). Individuals with limited health literacy skills are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, including misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and increased hospitalization rates (Chesser et al., 2017). The internet can be a valuable resource for health information, but it also poses significant risks. A study found that 60% of adults in the United States use the internet to gather health information, but only 15% of these individuals verify the credibility of online sources (Paek & Hove, 2017).


Evaluating Online Health Information

So, how can you evaluate online health information and avoid misinformation? Here are some tips:

  1. Check the source: Is the website sponsored by a reputable organization or institution? Look for websites with ".gov," ".edu," or ".org" domains.


  2. Verify the credentials: Are the authors of the website qualified healthcare professionals? Check for credentials such as MD, RN, or PhD.


  3. Check the date: Is the information up-to-date? Health information can change rapidly, so it's essential to ensure that the information is current.


  4. Be skeptical: If the information seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of websites that make exaggerated claims or promise quick fixes.


  5. Consult multiple sources: Don't rely on a single source of information. Consult multiple websites, journals, and healthcare professionals to verify the accuracy of the information.


Strategies for Improving Digital Health Literacy

Improving digital health literacy requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies:


  1. Healthcare provider-patient communication: Healthcare providers should communicate complex health information in a clear and concise manner, taking into account the patient's level of health literacy.


  2. Online health information portals: Reputable organizations should develop online health information portals that provide accurate, reliable, and easy-to-understand health information.


  3. Digital health literacy training programs: Training programs should be developed to educate individuals on how to effectively evaluate online health information and avoid misinformation.


  4. Community-based initiatives: Community-based initiatives should be implemented to promote digital health literacy, particularly in underserved populations.


Digital health literacy is a critical skill in today's digital age. By possessing digital health literacy skills, individuals can effectively evaluate online health information, avoid misinformation, and make informed health decisions. It's essential that we promote digital health literacy through healthcare provider-patient communication, online health information portals, digital health literacy training programs, and community-based initiatives.


References:


Chesser, A. K., Keene Woods, N., & Walters, S. (2017). Health literacy and health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions: A systematic review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 32(11), 1225–1235. doi: 10.1007/s11606-017-4146-4


Diviani, N., van den Putte, B., Giani, S., & van Weert, J. C. (2017). Low health literacy and evaluation of online health information: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(5), e228. doi: 10.2196/jmir.6903


Kim, H., & Xie, B. (2017). Health literacy and the Internet: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(10), e349. doi: 10.2196/jmir.7917


Logan, R. A. (2017). Health literacy and digital health literacy: Two sides of the same coin. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 9(10), 3566–3568. doi: 10.21037/jtd.2017.09.118


Norman, C. D., & Skinner, H. A. (2006). eHealth literacy: Essential skills for consumer health in a networked world. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 8(2), e9. doi: 10.2196/jmir.8. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board


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