Understanding interpretations of credibility, health literacy and health information seeking in Black and South Asian ethnic communities in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study
- 1Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, School of Nursing, Allied and Public Health, Kingston University, London, United Kingdom
- 2Department of Psychology, Kingston University, London, United Kingdom
- 3Population Health Research Institute, City St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
Abstract
Health literacy is essential for making informed healthcare decisions, yet ethnic minority communities often face disparities due to limited access to culturally relevant information. This qualitative study explores how South Asian and Black communities in the United Kingdom (UK) assess health information credibility, examining cultural influences and expectations. Sixty-eight participants (42 South Asian, 26 Black) were recruited using purposive sampling; data collection involved semi-structured interviews (n = 30) and community observations (n = 38). Findings revealed that cultural expectations shape perceptions of healthcare professionals and health information sources. Trusted sources included personal contacts and social media. Health information lacking personal or culturally relevant content led participants to seek alternative sources. While some credibility-seeking behaviours overlap with those observed in the general population, the unique social, cultural, and historical experiences of these populations shape how and why such behaviours are enacted, resulting in distinct patterns of trust and information use. Providers must recognise these dynamics to create personalised, culturally sensitive resources that enhance trust, health literacy, and equity. Tailored approaches, including trusted intermediaries and relevant communication channels, are crucial, while digital platforms must address misinformation.
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BibTeX
@article{vandrevala2026understanding,
title = {{Understanding interpretations of credibility, health literacy and health information seeking in Black and South Asian ethnic communities in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study}},
author = {Tushna Vandrevala and Kristin Hanson and Celayne Heaton-Shrestha and Richard Boulton and Lindsay M. Bearne},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0355294},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0355294},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Understanding interpretations of credibility, health literacy and health information seeking in Black and South Asian ethnic communities in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study
AU - Tushna Vandrevala
AU - Kristin Hanson
AU - Celayne Heaton-Shrestha
AU - Richard Boulton
AU - Lindsay M. Bearne
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/02
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0355294
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0355294
AB - Health literacy is essential for making informed healthcare decisions, yet ethnic minority communities often face disparities due to limited access to culturally relevant information. This qualitative study explores how South Asian and Black communities in the United Kingdom (UK) assess health information credibility, examining cultural influences and expectations. Sixty-eight participants (42 South Asian, 26 Black) were recruited using purposive sampling; data collection involved semi-structured interviews (n = 30) and community observations (n = 38). Findings revealed that cultural expectations shape perceptions of healthcare professionals and health information sources. Trusted sources included personal contacts and social media. Health information lacking personal or culturally relevant content led participants to seek alternative sources. While some credibility-seeking behaviours overlap with those observed in the general population, the unique social, cultural, and historical experiences of these populations shape how and why such behaviours are enacted, resulting in distinct patterns of trust and information use. Providers must recognise these dynamics to create personalised, culturally sensitive resources that enhance trust, health literacy, and equity. Tailored approaches, including trusted intermediaries and relevant communication channels, are crucial, while digital platforms must address misinformation.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -