Dr Durga Priyadarshini R, has done BSc in Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Service Management; MSc in Child Development and Child Nutrition; PhD in Nutrition (Home Science). She has worked as a Research Nutritionist at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation. Her research interests include nutrition interventions, public health, food bioactives, and in vitro functional assays. She currently works at the Nutrition Research Hub, where she actively mentors students and early-career professionals in the field.
In a conversation with THIP Media, Dr Priyadarshini emphasised on the fact that everyone needs to be health literate. Read more to understand why…
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
The most common mistakes people make while communicating are twofold. First, they provide vague or incomplete descriptions of their symptoms—omitting important medical or dietary history, adding unnecessary details, self-diagnosing, or withholding information out of embarrassment. Second, they come armed with misinformation from the internet, acting as “Google doctors” with self-diagnosed conditions or unverified home remedies.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy means having the ability to make informed choices about one’s own health. It plays a crucial role in patient care, especially in today’s world, where misinformation is rampant on social media. I believe it is essential for everyone to be health literate.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When patients are knowledgeable, they are more likely to follow treatment plans accurately, recognize warning signs early, maintain healthy habits, and communicate effectively with their doctors.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can severely impact treatment — causing patients to delay seeking proper care, misuse medications or supplements, follow unsafe home remedies, and ultimately worsen their existing condition or even trigger new health problems.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
Some of the most common myths people fall for include quick-fix claims like “Lose 20 kgs in a month,” “Drink fermented amla water to boost vitamin B12,” or “This one drink will give you glowing skin.”
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The most common advice I give my patients is to verify any health information with a qualified professional or cross-check it against credible research evidence.
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