Want Some Pie? The Impact of Graphical Literacy on Data Visualization Choices in Public Health

Music City Center 

Health communication through data visualization is one of the most important skills public health professionals should have to help their communities effectively. However, rigorous training on data visualization and statistics is rare for public health degree programs across the country. There is a critical need to account for graphic literacy levels in the general population for effective communication of complex health issues. We performed a cross-sectional exploratory study to assess the graphic literacy of a nationally representative sample (N=524) in the United States and preference for data visualization types applied to COVID-19 variant proportion data. Results showed that graphic literacy levels, as measured by the Short Graphic Literacy Scale, were lower than previously measured. Those with higher graph literacy were more likely to select bar and pie charts, while those who were not were more likely to select other chart types. These findings significantly contribute to the development of educational strategies for effective health communication for public health students, enabling them to combat misinformation and reduce health disparities among disadvantaged populations.

Statistical Communication

Data Visualization

Health Communication

Public Health

Education in the Health Sciences 

Section on Teaching of Statistics in the Health Sciences