Study of information literacy skills related to the health of female students
Author(s): Varsha Varma & Dr. Vrushali Rane
Abstract In today’s digital age, the sheer volume of available information has made it challenging to identify, evaluate, and apply credible knowledge effectively. Information literacy has therefore become a critical 21st-century skill, with implications that extend well beyond academic settings into healthcare, decision-making, and everyday life. At the intersection of information literacy and health literacy lies Health Information Literacy (HIL), which enables individuals to access, understand, and use reliable health information for informed choices and better outcomes. This paper underscores the significance of women’s HIL, particularly in rural contexts where disparities persist due to limited education, financial barriers, and restricted healthcare access. Strengthening women’s HIL fosters empowerment, maternal and child health, effective care navigation, and self-advocacy, while inadequate literacy is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, poor healthcare utilization, and negative child development. Bridging these gaps is vital not only for individual and community well-being but also for promoting gender equality and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Keywords - Information literacy, Health information literacy
DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.26761/ijrls.11.1.2025.1819
Cite This Article As: Varma, V. & Rane, V. (2025) Study of information literacy skills related to the health of female students. International Journal of Research in Library Science (IJRLS), 11(1) 420-426. www.ijrls.in
Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retains the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0.
Paper ID: IJRLS-1819 Page: 420-426 Publication Date: 28 March 2025