Social networks, health literacy and the use of alternative and complementary medicine: a narrative review

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Published: Dec 26, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17060/ijodaep.2024.n2.v1.2771
Keywords:
health literacy alternative and complementary medicine social media

Main Article Content

Angela de Carvalho
Enfermeira, Escola Superior de Saúde de Bragança, Portugal
Ana Galvão
LiveWell Research Center for Active Living and Wellbeing Instituto Politecnico de Braganca, Campus de Santa Apolonia, 5300-253 Braganca, Portugal
Eugénia Anes
LiveWell Research Center for Active Living and Wellbeing Instituto Politecnico de Braganca, Campus de Santa Apolonia, 5300-253 Braganca, Portugal

Abstract

Introduction: One of the main sources of information currently is social media due to the ease of access and the amount of data it aggregates. It is a vehicle that adds a huge amount of information or mis information on health and complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). Good levels of health literacy (HL) are essential for the ability to discern the quality and veracity of information obtained before making individual decisions. Objective: The objective is to analyze the association between HL, the use of social media and the use of CAMs. Methods: Narrative review of the literature using Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect platforms, with 21 articles included for analysis. Results: Social media are widely used as sources of information on topics such as health and CAM. The amount of misinformation present on social media represents a health hazard due to the potential to influence attitudes and increase risky behavior. HL appears as a determining and mediating factor in the ability to discern the quality of information obtained, influencing the way individuals process and seek information from social media, and their attitudes towards CAMs. HL, social media and CAMs are associated with regard to obtaining, interpreting and using health information and alternative and complementary practices. Conclusion: CAMs enable several options in addition to conventional ones, and it is vital that individuals are informed of all available options with the most up-to-date data so that they can exercise their right to make a decision in the most informed, contextualized and safe way possible.

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How to Cite
de Carvalho, A., Galvão, A., & Anes, E. (2024). Social networks, health literacy and the use of alternative and complementary medicine: a narrative review. International Journal of Developmental and Educational Psychology. Revista INFAD De Psicología., 1(2), 381–394. https://doi.org/10.17060/ijodaep.2024.n2.v1.2771
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Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024): Hope and the future. A reflection for a better world
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Articles
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Author Biographies

Angela de Carvalho, Enfermeira, Escola Superior de Saúde de Bragança, Portugal

Enfermeira, Escola Superior de Saúde de Bragança, Portugal

Ana Galvão, LiveWell Research Center for Active Living and Wellbeing Instituto Politecnico de Braganca, Campus de Santa Apolonia, 5300-253 Braganca, Portugal

LiveWell Research Center for Active Living and Wellbeing
Instituto Politecnico de Braganca, Campus de Santa Apolonia, 5300-253 Braganca, Portugal

Eugénia Anes, LiveWell Research Center for Active Living and Wellbeing Instituto Politecnico de Braganca, Campus de Santa Apolonia, 5300-253 Braganca, Portugal

LiveWell Research Center for Active Living and Wellbeing
Instituto Politecnico de Braganca, Campus de Santa Apolonia, 5300-253 Braganca, Portugal

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