Information and health literacy: could there be any impact on health decision-making among adults?—evidence from North America

In the era of data and information flood—where misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information are making the rounds—making the right decision can be challenging. Constant evaluation of scientific evidence about the direct and indirect impact of information and health literacy on health decision-making is critical for human well-being. This study aims to gather, assess, and summarize relevant and current research about the impacts of information and health literacy on health-related decision-making in North America. One hundred twenty-three articles were retrieved, of which 56 were included in the final review. They were reviewed for study characteristics, conclusions, and recommendations. The appraisal revealed that low information and health literacy can impact health decision-making, but low health literacy directly impacts health decision-making more than low information literacy. Other factors influence health decision-making, such as neighborhood, age, numeracy, civil engagement, and health educational programs. However, health and information literacy were the most critical factors impacting health decision-making. Information literacy and health literacy significantly influence health decision-making among adults. In today’s ever-evolving information landscape, health and information literacy have become indispensable tools for informed decision-making in healthcare, particularly among adults. Investing in health literacy and information literacy for adults, including providing educational programs, is crucial to promoting a healthy lifestyle, ensuring informed healthcare decisions, and safeguarding against misinformation.