Abstract
Background. Health information literacy is a fundamental capability that enhances informed decision-making regarding individual and community health. Despite its importance in global health system policymaking, this domain in Iran faces significant structural and content-related challenges. This study aims to analyze and compare health information literacy policies in Iran with those of selected countries and to provide a concise summary of local policy through an analytical–comparative approach.
Methods. This study, employing an analytical-comparative approach, presents a policy review that provides a narrative summary of local health information policies in Iran and selected countries. The data used in this study include national and international policy documents, scientific articles indexed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and SID databases, reports from international organizations such as WHO and OECD, and health policy resources from selected countries (Australia, Canada, the United States, and the European Union).
Results. In Iran, policymaking related to health information literacy education is primarily shaped within three major institutions: The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the national media (IRIB). However, efforts within these institutions have been fragmented and inconsistent, lacking a unified and comprehensive national strategy. This fragmentation has led to isolated initiatives without institutional coordination.
Conclusion. Health information literacy in Iran requires a fundamental shift in the policymaking approach to overcome current fragmentation and move toward an integrated policy framework. International experiences demonstrate that effective policymaking in this area depends on coordinated interaction among health institutions, education systems, media, and civil society. Adopting cohesive and strategic policies can improve public health outcomes and reduce health inequalities in Iran.
Extended Abstract
Background
Health Information Literacy (HIL) refers to individuals’ ability to seek, understand, evaluate, and apply health information to make informed decisions. In recent decades, especially with the rise of digital technologies and the spread of health misinformation, HIL has gained recognition as a vital component of public health systems. It is now considered essential for patient empowerment, health promotion, and equitable access to healthcare services. Globally, many countries have taken steps to institutionalize HIL through strategic planning, intersectoral collaboration, and integration into education and health systems. Countries like Canada, Australia, and Finland have developed national health literacy frameworks that align with broader health and digital transformation agendas. In Iran, although the concept of health literacy has gained some attention in policy discourse, health information literacy remains underdeveloped. There is no comprehensive national framework guiding HIL policies, and efforts across institutions often remain fragmented and inconsistent. This gap becomes more critical considering Iran’s diverse population, growing burden of chronic diseases, and expanding access to digital platforms that expose citizens to both credible and misleading health information. This paper analyzes the current state of health information literacy policymaking in Iran, identifies key barriers and gaps, and provides strategic recommendations informed by lessons from global best practices.
Methods
This study, employing an analytical-comparative approach, presents a policy review that provides a narrative summary of local health information literacy policies in Iran and selected countries. The method includes: Review of Iranian health and education policy documents, including strategies from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, national development plans, and educational reform initiatives. Analysis of academic literature related to health literacy, digital health, and public health education in Iran. Comparative review of HIL policy strategies from countries with notable progress in this domain- Australia, European Union, Canada & United States - selected based on their structured national approaches and relevance to the Iranian context. The analysis focuses on identifying common themes, gaps, and policy mechanisms that can inform Iran’s approach.
Results
The findings highlight both the limitations of Iran’s current HIL landscape and the strengths of international approaches that could inform future policy development.
1. Fragmentation and Absence of a National Strategy
Iran lacks a coordinated national policy for health information literacy. While some health promotion initiatives indirectly touch on elements of HIL—such as campaigns against self-medication or digital health portals—there is no overarching strategy that defines HIL, sets measurable goals, or allocates responsibilities across sectors. This leads to fragmented efforts, limited reach, and overlapping mandates between institutions.
2. Limited Integration with Education and Media Systems
HIL has not been systematically embedded into formal education or media literacy curricula in Iran. Schools and universities rarely address how students can critically assess health information, particularly online. Additionally, public media and health communication campaigns often fail to account for the varying literacy levels and information-processing skills across population groups.
3. Insufficient Capacity Building
There is a significant gap in professional training for healthcare providers and educators regarding HIL. Health professionals are not routinely trained to recognize patients’ information literacy levels or to guide them in finding and interpreting reliable sources. Furthermore, librarians, educators, and media workers are rarely involved in public health communication efforts.
4. Global Lessons and Best Practices
The countries analyzed in this study demonstrate several effective strategies: Canada launched the Canadian Health Literacy Roadmap, encouraging integration of HIL into healthcare practice, school curricula, and public health policies. The strategy emphasizes equity, Indigenous health, and digital inclusion. Australia developed a National Health Literacy Strategy embedded within its broader health system reform. It promotes community engagement, plain language communication, and culturally tailored messaging. The European Union has successfully incorporated HIL into school curricula and library services in many countries, making it part of lifelong learning. Libraries and public media actively contribute to citizens’ access to reliable health information and foster critical thinking. These countries share common principles: multi-sectoral collaboration, education-centered frameworks, monitoring and evaluation tools, and institutional commitment at national and local levels.
Conclusion
The promotion of health information literacy in Iran is both a pressing need and a strategic opportunity. As health systems become increasingly digital and citizens are overwhelmed by diverse—and often contradictory—health messages, access to and critical assessment of health information are essential for public well-being. Iran’s current policy environment lacks the coherence and institutional integration required for HIL to thrive. A clear national strategy is urgently needed, one that defines HIL, sets priorities, and promotes collaboration among health, education, and media sectors. Lessons from selected countries show that structured policies, supported by cross-sector engagement and educational innovation, can lead to measurable improvements in public health outcomes. Policymakers in Iran should prioritize: designing a comprehensive HIL framework, with input from multiple sectors; integrating HIL into formal and informal education, including teacher training and media literacy programs; empowering healthcare professionals through targeted training in communication and patient education; leveraging digital technologies and platforms to disseminate accessible and credible health content; and monitoring progress through clear indicators and regular assessments. By embedding HIL into national health and education strategies, Iran can build a more informed, resilient, and health-literate society capable of navigating the complexities of modern health information environments.
Practical Implications of the Research
The key practical implications of this study are: the necessity to create a comprehensive national document, incorporate health information literacy into the education system, enhance the role of libraries and information centers, leverage technology to fight misinformation, target vulnerable populations, and engage in ongoing monitoring and evaluation of policies.