Indonesian medical students' experiences and challenges of enhancing information literacy skills: a mixed-method study

Purpose: Information literacy education can produce positive learning experiences for medical students, enabling them to understand research and prepare for future professions. The objectives of this study were to identify the information literacy skills of medical students in North Sumatra; explore the learning methods for information retrieval and management conducted by the medical schools; and explore student challenges in accessing and reviewing information. Method: This was mixed-method research in which quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed simultaneously. The number of subjects in this study was 318 students, who were randomly selected from four medical schools. Data from those subjects were collected using the Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale for Medicine questionnaire and open-ended questions. Results: Study period was a significant predictor among other sociodemographic factors influencing information literacy skills. More than 60% of the students demonstrated proficiency in various information literacy components, particularly in evaluating information sources, with varied learning methods fostering these skills from lectures, tutorials, practicums, and activities beyond the campus. Otherwise, using a library and bibliography was the component that students were poorly competent in, and six themes of barriers to information literacy that might influence this competency were determined. Conclusion: Despite students' challenges in enhancing information literacy, their skills were adequate. A comprehensive information literacy in the curriculum should be implemented through meaningful methods and integrated with English proficiency and digital support.