Students’ perception of health information literacy

Abstract

     Good quality information to tackle health issues is gaining more attention from each person in society. By focusing on a group of university students in Ho Chi Minh City, this study was executed to investigate students' understanding of the concept of health information literacy, and the role of health information literacy in sustaining and boosting individual and communal health. The research employed Facebook to form a discussion group of 50 students from universities in Ho Chi Minh City. Analysis of feedback provided by students on Facebook demonstrated that the bulk of those engaged in the discussion were familiar with the concept of health information literacy, a set of information skills that support the identification of health information needs, finding, evaluating, and utilizing health information. Simultaneously, the study documented that all participants in the dialogue had a positive outlook on the role of health information literact in individual and community health.