Introduction: Health literacy relates the ability of individuals to acquire, understand and, consequently, act in accordance with the information provided to them to make appropriate decisions regarding their health status. About half of the European population has a low level of health literacy and, consequently, a lack of knowledge regarding aspects of their health. Additionally, given the worsening state of isolation experienced by the world population in recent times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the aim was to analyze the impact of new technologies on health literacy in situations of social isolation. Materials ans Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed, papers were selected through databases between 2011 and 2021. The studies were selected and analyzed according to the pre-established inclusion criteria, 13 of which were eligible and were included in this review. Results: Through the evaluated studies it was found that new technologies are an intrinsic part of people's daily lives, having numerous advantages for all individuals, mostly those who are socially isolated. They allow for greater contact with family and friends, provide a moment of leisure and the acquisition of knowledge, as well as contact with health professionals. In this way, new technologies have made it possible to increase users health literacy, due to their easy access and volume of existing information on various pathologies and health promotion measures. Conclusions: The conclusions of this review focus on the importance of digital media, as they reduce some of the barriers associated with more isolated individuals and allow for greater acquisition of knowledge, improving their quality of life and of those they care for.
- Health literacy
- Social isolation
- New technology
- Telemedicine
- COVID-19 pandemic
- Mestrado em Medicina Dentária
A aplicação das novas tecnologias na literacia em saúde em situações de isolamento social
Pires, B. A. R. (Student). 23 Jul 2021
Student thesis: Master's Thesis