THURS-106 - Health Literacy and Social Media in Young Women
Thursday, April 17, 2025
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM PST
Location: Pacific I/II, 2nd Floor
Area of Responsibility: Area VI: Communication Subcompetencies: 6.1.4 Identify environmental and other factors that affect communication (e.g., resources and the availability of Internet access)., 6.4.1 Differentiate the strengths and weaknesses of various communication channels and technologies (e.g., mass media, community mobilization, counsel Research or Practice: Research
Immunizations Epidemiologist Loma Linda University Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Recognize how social media engagement patterns influence health literacy among young adult women and the implications for public health communication and interventions.
Identify effective strategies for evaluating and improving the quality of online health information shared on social media platforms
Gain insights into the relationship between social media engagement and digital health literacy, using a mixed-method approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups.
Brief Abstract Summary: Discover how social media impacts health literacy among young adult women aged 18-30. Gain insights into the relationship between social media engagement and digital health literacy, using a mixed-method approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups. Recognize the ways in which young women evaluate online health information and how it shapes their decision-making. This presentation will unveil findings from surveys conducted using the Digital Health Literacy Instrument and Social Networking Usage Questionnaire, alongside focus groups, to provide a comprehensive understanding of how young women navigate health content online.
Detailed abstract description: In today's digital age, social media is a dominant force shaping how people access and understand health information. Young adult women, particularly those aged 18-30, are among the most active users of these platforms, and the content they encounter can have profound implications on their health decisions. This presentation offers you a unique chance to learn about the intersection between social media usage and digital health literacy in this crucial demographic.
Explore the key findings from a study that combines the Digital Health Literacy Instrument and the Social Networking Usage Questionnaire to assess how these women use social media for health information and how well they understand and evaluate what they see online. With both quantitative surveys and in-depth focus groups, this research uncovers not just usage patterns but the decision-making processes behind them.
Why is this important? Understanding these dynamics is essential for health professionals, educators, and policymakers. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how social media influences young women’s health literacy, what challenges they face in navigating online content, and how this can be leveraged to improve public health messaging. Whether you're working in health communication, education, or policy development, this presentation will equip you with a deeper understanding of digital health literacy and practical ways to apply this knowledge in your work.
