Glossary
Health literacy is a term that encompasses a wide range of skills and knowledge related to health and wellness. It is a critical component of a person's ability to make informed decisions about their health and healthcare, and it is a key determinant of health outcomes. Health literacy is not just about reading and writing, but also about understanding and interpreting health information, navigating the healthcare system, and communicating with healthcare providers.
Health literacy is about communication and is a bridge that connects:
Patients
Healthcare providers
The healthcare system
Without adequate health literacy this bridge can become a barrier that prevents:
People from accessing the care they need
Understanding their health conditions
Managing their health effectively
Health literacy involves several key skills-
Basic Literacy Skills- reading, writing, and numeracy.
Reading health information, understanding medication instructions
Complex Skills- information-seeking, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Finding and evaluating the credibility of health information, managing and making health related decisions.
Knowledge
Knowledge of the healthcare system as well as health care topics, risks, and preventive health behaviors.
Research has shown that individuals with low health literacy are
More likely to have poor health outcomes
Have higher rates of hospitalization
Lower use of preventive services
Poorer management of chronic conditions
Higher mortality rates
On the other hand:
Research has shown individuals with high health literacy are
More likely to have better health outcomes
Better self-reported health
Better use of preventive services
Better management of chronic conditions
Lower mortality rates
In conclusion, health literacy is a multifaceted concept that involves a range of skills and knowledge related to health and healthcare. It is a critical determinant of health outcomes and health equity, and it is a key focus of efforts to improve health and healthcare.