Navigating the infodemic through digital health literacy education in schools

Abstract Background High digital health literacy (DHL) can help to navigate the internet’s vast information landscape. This research explores the impact of learning DHL in schools on students’ DHL, and how it might mitigates confusion surrounding health-related information. Moreover, this research sheds light on how learning DHL in schools influences students’ inclinations towards specific sources of health information. Methods 1448 secondary school students aged 9-18 years participated in face-to-face interviews. Associations between learning digital health literacy (DHL) and students’ DHL, comprehension of health information, sense of being informed on health topics, and utilization of diverse health information sources were evaluated using the chi-squared test. Results The learning of DHL within school settings demonstrated a significant correlation with students’ overall DHL (X2 (6) = 120.99, p < .001). Those reporting high levels of DHL learning exhibited reduced confusion regarding health information (X2 (4) = 16.65, p = .002) and felt notably more informed (X2 (4) = 231.06, p < .001). Contrasted with peers who reported insufficient learning of DHL, students with high learning reported learning more about health from parents (X2 (2) = 55.28, p < .001), peer interactions (X2 (2) = 214.51, p < .001), online sources (X2 (2) = 78.54, p < .001), influencer content (X2 (2) = 68.46, p < .001), offline literature (X2 (2) = 24.32, p < .001), television (X2 (2) = 140.36, p < .001), and in school (X2 (2) = 205.53, p < .001). However, they were less reliant on physicians for health information (X2 (2) = 53.62, p < .001). Conclusions Integrating DHL into school curricula holds promise for enhancing students’ DHL and alleviating apprehensions regarding health-related information. Moreover, such educational initiatives have the potential to expand students’ repertoire of resources for accessing health information, encompassing both digital and non-digital sources.