Exploratory Evaluation of a Medical Student‐Led Health Literacy Program Among High School Students
Noah Lee Carey, Isabella Johnson, Allison Ruff, Jonathan F. FinksABSTRACT
Background
Low health literacy is a barrier to positive health behaviors and outcomes among adolescents, especially in marginalized communities. Sustained, youth‐centered interventions for high‐risk populations are limited.
Contributions to Practice
We implemented and conducted an exploratory evaluation of a year‐long, medical student‐led program for ninth‐ and tenth‐grade students at two Detroit public high schools. The program demonstrated the feasibility of interactive school‐based health literacy programming and identified practical considerations for future implementation. Using anonymous pre and postprogram surveys, we examined group‐level response patterns in self‐reported confidence on health‐related knowledge and abilities ( n = 71 baseline; n = 52 follow‐up). Survey items reflected domains addressed during program sessions, including healthcare navigation, understanding medical terminology, identifying reliable health information, self‐advocacy in healthcare settings, and emergency response skills. Postsurvey responses showed more favorable group‐level response patterns across all domains.
Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity
Near‐peer, school‐based health literacy interventions may represent a practical strategy to support adolescent engagement with healthcare concepts in under‐resourced communities. Partnerships between medical schools and secondary schools may provide scalable opportunities for community engagement and health education.
Conclusions
This exploratory evaluation supports the potential value of medical student‐led health literacy programming as a community‐centered model for adolescent health education.