In this session, participants will discuss the results of recently published national surveys of current and soon-to-be college students on topics including where they prefer to get health information, who influences their healthcare decision making, and how they evaluate the credibility of health information. Participants will also explore how to apply the survey results to their student health communications practice.

Rapidly evolving evidence and changing guidance, as well as rampant and politicized misinformation and disinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic pose challenges for health literacy, including mental health literacy. It is unknown how many students are familiar with these concepts nor how many campus personnel, including college health professionals and mental health providers, are familiar with current techniques and strategies for teaching students about digital health literacy.

To be successful in any public health effort, campus leaders and college health professionals must demonstrate trustworthiness. With significant portions of GenZ reporting mistrust of higher education, it is critical that higher education professionals understand how to cultivate and protect students’ trust in them. The Trustworthiness series will help participants understand and apply the principles of trustworthiness to their work and educate campus leadership.