Conceptualizing the Role of Reading and Literacy in Health Information Practices.

This paper proposes that a focus on reading and literacy can deepen our understanding of information seeking and everyday life information practices. It conceptualizes the role of reading, readability, and literacy in health information practices as a sociotechnical system, and forms the basis for an ongoing mixed-methods study on the role of readability in the health information practices of adult emerging readers. This approach puts into question best practice guidelines for creating health information and asks what makes a useful health information document for adult emerging readers. The results of this research based on this conceptual framework will help to improve access to quality health information for members of communities that face greater health disparities.