Bridging Health Literacy Gaps Through Digital Community Engagement

Abstract

This poster highlights key findings from a survey on health literacy and digital community engagement, focusing on the barriers to health information comprehension and the preferences for digital engagement among healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the general public.

The study involved 61 participants and revealed that complex medical terminology and information complexity are the primary barriers to health literacy, cited by 77.3% and 75% of respondents, respectively. Additional challenges include language barriers and time constraints. In response, participants expressed a strong preference for visual aids like infographics and videos to simplify information. Interactive elements such as Q&A sessions were also favored, suggesting a trend towards engaging and participatory communication methods.

Digital health communities are central to improving health literacy, with different needs across user groups. Medical professionals seek expert-driven content and educational opportunities, whereas the general public and patients prefer community support and discussions on wellness and preventive care. This indicates the potential for platforms tailored to diverse user preferences.

A significant finding is the universal demand for trustworthy information, with 86.2% of respondents identifying it as crucial for participation in digital communities. This emphasizes the importance of a unified, authoritative hub for health content that combines accessibility with reliable information.

Our poster at iDR25 proposes strategies to bridge health literacy gaps by leveraging digital tools to present complex health data in accessible formats and foster community engagement through trusted, expert-driven content. This approach aims to improve understanding and outcomes in healthcare by aligning digital innovations with user needs.