Susanne Dida, a student from the Library and Information Science Program at Faculty of Communication Science Universitas Padjadjaran, together with supervisors Elnovani Lusiana, Retasari Dewi, Evi Nursanti Rukmana, and Abdul Qayoum Safi, has published a scientific article titled “Health Information Literacy among Children at Reading Communities in Sumedang Regency.” This article was published in the Journal of Library and Information Studies (JKIP) Sinta 2, Vol. 12, No. 2 (December 2024), pages 325–344.
The publication focuses on the importance of health information literacy among children, who are highly vulnerable to diseases due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. Reading Communities (Taman Bacaan Masyarakat or TBM) serve as literacy centers that not only provide reading materials but also act as facilitators of health information beneficial to children’s well-being.
The study was motivated by the need for accurate and accessible health information for children. Its main objective was to examine how health information literacy can be developed among children through the role of TBMs in Sumedang Regency.
This research employed a descriptive qualitative method involving children from three TBMs: TBM Lingkaran Cahaya, TBM Bina Kreasi Muda, and TBM Pabukon Ngadongeng. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s model consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.
Findings revealed that children at TBMs have recognized their health information needs but have not yet fully understood the correct implementation process. The three TBMs provided diverse health-related reading materials such as books, comics, and magazines, and organized literacy activities tailored to the children’s interests. They also promoted understanding through activities such as read aloud and think aloud. However, limitations in access to health information still persist.
This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being and Goal 4 on Quality Education. The study highlights how community-based literacy institutions can innovate in delivering health education while reinforcing TBMs’ role as inclusive learning centers.
Full article is available at: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250210092026_2428.pdf
Author: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena Firdaus, and Naresh Aurelia Berliana
