Quality of Health Information: How Does Age, Sex and Education Associate with the Assessment of the Reliability and Usefulness of Health Information

Palsdottir A.

7th European Conference on Information Literacy (ECIL), ELECTR NETWORK, 20 - 23 September 2021, pp.87-95, (Full Text) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/978-3-030-99885-1_8
  • Country: ELECTR NETWORK
  • Page Numbers: pp.87-95
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The enhancement of media and information literacy has been generally recognized as a crucial factor for lifelong learning about health, with the ability to evaluate the quality of health information at the core of it. The present study explored how people evaluate the quality of health information within a broad network of sources and channels, as well as investigating how it relates to their background. This is a quantitative study using a random sample of 1,800 people aged 18 years and older. The response rate was 39% (N = 698). In addition to background questions, the measurement instrument consisted of questions about the evaluation of the reliability and usefulness of information in a total of 25 information sources. The study revealed differences by socio-demographic groups. The findings provide important knowledge about how people can be reached with knowledge and support that is likely to enhance their abilities to adopt healthier lifestyles.