5.H. Scientific session: Advancing health literacy: evidence-based strategies for vaccination, cancer, dementia, and policy

Abstract Background Health literacy is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of effective public health, shaping how individuals and communities access, understand, and use health information. Enhancing health literacy is also key to empowering prevention of non-communicable diseases across the lifespan. This workshop addresses these issues and unites research from different European studies exploring health literacy in diverse contexts, ranging from vaccination readiness and decision-making to dementia awareness in non-clinical sectors using virtual reality and digital health skills, cancer policy integration, and cancer prevention. Together, these studies highlight the multi-level impact of health literacy on behavior, policy, and communication, underscoring its public health relevance for informed decision-making and equitable health outcomes. By presenting empirical findings from varied populations and settings, this workshop offers practical insights and evidence-based strategies that can inform future interventions, policy development, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen health literacy and reduce health disparities. Objectives The workshop aims to generate actionable, innovative insights to advance health literacy across different contexts and populations. By presenting evidence-based approaches and novel tools, we seek to support the integration of health literacy into public health practice, policy, and education. Reflecting this broad perspective, five international speakers will share empirical findings: (1) A representative study on vaccination literacy, readiness, and behavior in Switzerland will highlight population-level determinants and challenges. (2) The association between vaccination readiness and COVID-19 health literacy among German school leaders will be examined, underscoring the importance of leadership in health communication. (3) The application of virtual reality to enhance dementia understanding in retail and hospitality sectors will be explored as an innovative educational approach. (4) Insights from a participatory process in Romania will demonstrate how health literacy can be embedded in cancer policy. (5) Finally, the use of digital resources to engage cancer survivors and associated challenges will illustrate creative methods for fostering digital health literacy. Format The session chairs will facilitate and moderate the presentations and guide the panel discussion based on their Section background. While the format of this workshop will be 5x8-minute presentations, the presentations will be followed by a 20-minute panel discussion of the speakers with the audience, exploring the relevance of these findings for public health research, practice and policy. At the same time, the presentations will be supported by the online tool Slido, augmenting and enhancing speaker-audience interaction. This method will facilitate audience engagement and ensure knowledge transfer. Key messages • This workshop addresses urgent public health needs by showcasing how health literacy advances prevention, equity, and informed decision-making in context of vaccination, cancer and dementia. • Participants will gain evidence-based strategies to strengthen health literacy for disease prevention and reduce health disparities across Europe across the life course.