The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by rapidly emerging evidence, changing guidance, and misinformation, which present new challenges for health literacy (HL) and digital health literacy (DHL) skills. This study explored whether COVID-19-related information access, attitudes, and behaviors were associated with health literacy and digital health literacy among college students in the United States. Self-reported measures of health literacy, along with items on pandemic-related attitudes, behaviors, information sources, and social networks, were collected online using a managed research panel. In July 2020, 256 responses were collected, which mirrored the racial/ethnic and gender diversity of U.S. colleges. Only 49% reported adequate HL, and 57% found DHL tasks easy overall. DHL did not vary by HL level. In multivariable models, both HL and DHL were independently associated with overall compliance with basic preventive practices. Higher DHL, but not HL, was significantly associated with greater willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine and the belief that acquiring the disease would negatively impact their life. On average, respondents discussed health with 4–5 people, which did not vary by HL or DHL measures. The usage of online information sources varied by HL and DHL. The study findings can inform future student-focused interventions, including identifying the distinct roles of HL and DHL in pandemic information access, attitudes, and behaviors.

Over the past two decades, health literacy has grown into an important topic area in multiple fields including medicine, education, and communication. There are various definitions of health literacy, but in general it typically includes ideas related to individuals being able to get and understand health information, navigate the healthcare system, and communicate about their healthcare needs. It also includes actions taken by clinicians and organizations to ensure that services and information are easier to navigate and understand. Many people around the world do not have adequate health literacy, and lower levels of health literacy have been associated with a range of negative health outcomes. Health literacy is closely tied to communication given its role in health information seeking, understanding of oral and written health information, use of health technology, communication during healthcare visits, and development of health‐related materials. Whether the focus is on ensuring individuals have the skills needed to navigate a complex health information system or creating information that is easy to read, health literacy has a place in all aspects of health communication. Researchers, clinicians, public health professionals, educators, communication scholars, and anyone working in the healthcare field can work together to continue developing health literacy work and ensuring that everyone has a chance to be health literate.