Information and health literacy in the balance: findings from a study exploring the use of ICTs in weight management

Abstract

This article uses findings from a UK Department of Health fundedresearch study known as Net.Weight to reflect on the concept ofinformation literacy as it relates to consumer health. It explores howthe results support and develop an understanding of informationand health literacy and it offers recommendations for policy andpractice. The study was located in the city of Brighton & Hove andexamined the potential for information and communication technologies(ICTs) to support people who were self-managing their weight.The research comprised five interlocking components, at the heartof which was a series of participatory learning workshops designedto develop participant skills in relation to ICTs, information, andhealth literacy. The results indicate that a broader and more socialunderstanding of information literacy is needed to ensure a better"fit" between the provision and use of health information. They alsoindicate that ICTs can augment information provision and supportactivities, but that a "blended" approach is necessary, where onlineand ‘real world' communication work in tandem.