Children’s and adolescents’ health literacy: perspective and development in Italy

INTRODUCTION: This paper examines child and adolescent health literacy in Italy within the context of the country's demographic challenges, socio-political factors, regional inequities, and national health service structure. Health literacy, defined as the ability to access, under-stand, and apply health information, is increasingly recognized as crucial for positive health outcomes among young populations.
METHODS: The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review of Italian initiatives and policies on health literacy, focusing specifically on children and adolescents. The review analyzed both theoretical frameworks and empirical studies to identify patterns and effective-ness of various health literacy interventions across Italian regions.
RESULTS: The analysis reveals significant regional disparities in health literacy levels, with a notable north-south divide. Digital health literacy emerges as a critical factor in treatment effectiveness among younger populations. Several promising initiatives have been implemented, though implementation barriers include resource limitations, cultural factors, and institutional coordination challenges.
CONCLUSIONS: Enhancing health literacy among Italian children and adolescents requires coordinated policy approaches that address regional disparities and digital access inequities. Future interventions should focus on school-based programs, parental involvement, and leveraging digital tools to create sustainable improvements in youth health literacy across all Italian regions.