Promoting Health Literacy in Adolescence in Two Public Schools in Rio de Janeiro: Action Research.

Abstract

Objective: to identify health literacy demands among adolescents in public schools and implement co-created digital educational strategies to promote qualified access to health information.

Method: Qualitative, descriptive study with an action research approach conducted between May and November 2024. Participatory techniques, such as brainstorming and discussion groups, were used with students aged 14 to 19. After listening to their needs and analyzing informational content, an Instagram® profile was restructured and a TikTok® channel was created with content co-created with the adolescents.

Results: The identified literacy needs included conceptual gaps and low critical assessment skills on topics such as mental health, sexuality and gender, nutrition, substance use, violence, bullying, and racism. The intervention involved adapting the language, including new themes, and reformulating communication strategies, resulting in greater engagement and appropriation of the content by the adolescents.

Conclusion: the incorporation of the identified demands into digital content and in-person actions reinforces the potential of social media and participatory methodologies in promoting health literacy, indicating the importance of public policies that articulate digital technologies, qualified listening, and youth protagonism.