Online Health information, health literacy and therapeutic compliance: a theoretical framework

Introduction The expansion of information sources and easy access to virtual sources are radically changing health information-seeking behavior. In the past, direct interaction with health care providers is rapidly decreasing. A high percentage of individuals are in the habit of checking their health online: information overload, fake news, misinformation and echo chambers effect will be encountered. Methods A review of the literature on health literacy, online health information and its influence on health status and therapeutic compliance was carried out in order to develop a new theoretical framework. The insight approach will allow health care providers to account for the complexity of the relationship between health status and online information and will be useful in moving to a different perspective to assess the field. Results The development of this theoretical framework focuses on the role of online information seeking behaviors' and its connection to levels of health literacy, health status and treatment compliance. Evidence of the spread of misinformation, fake news and at the same time the echo chamber effect has an important effect on the health. An important debate is growing in the literature on the role of fact checking and institutional/expert information in really changing the health behavior of individuals. Conclusions The main development of this framework is certainly related to the need to assess the level of health literacy, also in order to ensure a comprehensive understanding of health information behaviors and their relation to health status. Furthermore, it would be desirable to develop innovative health promotion campaigns as well as to develop the role of nurses as health educators. There is a need to further evaluate the barriers that prevent individuals from having full compliance and an informed and critical understanding of health information. Key messages Adherence is a key factor. Health information online is the key for improve health literacy levels.