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Health Information Use and Trust: The Role of Health Literacy and Patient Activation in a Multilingual European Region

Author

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  • Christian J. Wiedermann

    (Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Verena Barbieri

    (Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Stefano Lombardo

    (Provincial Institute for Statistics of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol (ASTAT), 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Timon Gärtner

    (Provincial Institute for Statistics of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol (ASTAT), 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Patrick Rina

    (Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Klaus Eisendle

    (Directorate, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Giuliano Piccoliori

    (Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Adolf Engl

    (Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Dietmar Ausserhofer

    (Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
    Claudiana Research, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

Abstract

The acquisition of reliable health information plays a pivotal role in shaping informed decision-making and health-related behaviours. This investigation examined the factors influencing health information use and trust in health information sources among the adult population in South Tyrol, Italy, employing a population-based cross-sectional survey ( n = 2090). Descriptive analyses revealed sociodemographic disparities, with younger individuals and those with higher educational attainment demonstrating increased engagement with digital sources, while older adults and those with lower educational levels exhibited a greater reliance on traditional media and healthcare professionals. Correlation analyses showed that elevated health literacy (HLS-EU-Q16) was linked to enhanced engagement with structured and professional health sources, whereas higher patient activation (PAM-10) exhibited a negative correlation with a dependence on healthcare professionals, indicating that more activated individuals are less reliant on medical consultations for health information. Individuals reporting a better health status were less inclined to use health information sources, such as media, healthcare professionals, or the internet, as opposed to relying on personal knowledge or experience. Ordinal regression models further identified age, education, and linguistic background as crucial predictors of health information use and trust in sources. These findings highlight the influence of health literacy and patient activation on information engagement and trust and emphasise the need for tailored public health initiatives to ensure equitable access to reliable health information across diverse demographic groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian J. Wiedermann & Verena Barbieri & Stefano Lombardo & Timon Gärtner & Patrick Rina & Klaus Eisendle & Giuliano Piccoliori & Adolf Engl & Dietmar Ausserhofer, 2025. "Health Information Use and Trust: The Role of Health Literacy and Patient Activation in a Multilingual European Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:570-:d:1628848
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li, Yibai & Wang, Xuequn & Lin, Xiaolin & Hajli, Mohammad, 2018. "Seeking and sharing health information on social media: A net valence model and cross-cultural comparison," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 28-40.
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