Essay on Impact of Health Literacy on Health - 1193 Words

Health literacy is defined as The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions (Michael K. Paasche-Orlow, 2010), the word Health literacy first appeared in 1974 in a paper which calls for â€Å"education standards for all grade school levels in USA† (Carolyn Speros, 2004) . Some recent works suggest that there is a relation between literacy, low health and premature deaths (Christina Zarcadoolas et al, 2005). Awareness on Health literacy The concept of health literacy was first originated in early years and it was recognised as an autonomous research field in 1990s (Andrew pleasant and Shyama Kuruvilla, 2008). The†¦show more content†¦The ratio of people lacking of operational literacy in individual countries of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ranges approximately from 7% to 47% (UN Development Program, 2007). Estimation of Health literacy and its outcome Health literacy can be estimated through, Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) and the Test of Functional Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA). Even so, Andrew pleasant and Shyama Kuruvilla, 2008, argues that none of these make sense of an appropriate measurement of health literacy. The Test of Functional literacy in adults only concentrates on individual capacity to read the medical information on some medical slips and labels. Rather than there are lots of research works done on the topic of health literacy and its approach in public health, which provides best examples along with good information and major skills. Health Literacy and its impact on individual health The problems associated with the health literacy have been identified by the researchers in the last ten years. They came to know the role played by it in the medical as well as the individual self care by the comprehension of information related to health and the outcomes related to it (Carolyn Speros, 2004). The people with poor literacy levels may be prone to have bad health status and show more unhealthy behaviours like excessive alcohol intake and smoking (San Diego, Calif 2004).The People having low health literacy may possessShow MoreRelatedHealth Literacy Interventions And Its Impact On Diabetic Patient Health1454 Words   |  6 Pagespublic health problem in the US. High diabetic prevalence rates and negative health outcomes were linked with lack of health literacy among the population. Health literacy is necessary to create awareness and improve self management skills among the patients. This will help prevent diabetes and delay the complications associated with it through educated care choices and self management ability. This research focuses on health literacy interventions and their impact on diabetic patient health outcomesRead MoreHealth Literacy Impact On National Healthcare Utilization1746 Words   |  7 PagesHealth Literacy Impact on National Healthcare Utilization Background: Health literacy presents a huge challenge in the delivery of effective healthcare and quality outcomes. We evaluated association between low health literacy and healthcare utilization. Methods: Database analysis utilized Medical Expenditure Panel Survey(MEPS) from 2005-2008 which provides national representative estimates of healthcare utilization and expeniture. Health literacy scores were calculated based on a validated predictiveRead MoreThe Impact of Mental Health Literacy on Help- Seeking Intentions: Results of a Pilot Study with First Year Psychology Students3417 Words   |  14 PagesR E Coral L Smith Ian M Shochet Queensland University of Technology, Australia The Impact of Mental Health Literacy on HelpSeeking Intentions: Results of a Pilot Study with First Year Psychology Students Key words: mental health literacy; help-seeking; young adults Introduction The mental health of young adults is an area of public health concern. It is important for those with mental health issues to receive the appropriate support and treatment, and their own help-seeking behavioursRead MoreEssay on Health Literacy776 Words   |  4 PagesHealth Literacy Health illiteracy has become referred to as the silent epidemic. 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This has been seen to lead to a higher incidence of problems thatRead MoreHow The Social Determinants Of Health Have A Direct Impact On Health Status1388 Words   |  6 PagesEducation has an imperative correlation to health outcomes. The following presented case study will demonstrate an example of how the social determinants of health have a direct impact on health status. Mrs. Smith is a 68-year-old female who was bad a diagnosis of type I diabetes for 37 years. She has developed a pressure ulcer on her left foot, which has increasingly worsened and become necrotic in certain areas. She has had uncontrolled diabetes for many years and often d oes not prescribe to herRead MoreHealth Literacy And Its Effect On Health1501 Words   |  7 Pages Literacy is the ability someone has to read and write. Most of us are taught this skill when we are young. Those of us who learn this during childhood seem to forget this is a privilege not everybody has. The people who do not has this advantage are affected in more ways than we think. Especially when it comes to their health, this understanding is known as health literacy. â€Å"Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health informationRead MoreEssay on The Importance of Literacy in Canada1104 Words   |  5 PagesLiteracy is an important key component in almost every individual’s life. Also literacy could be described as one of the most important building blocks of our society. As our world and society becomes more complex, literacy becomes more and more important. Literacy has become so visibly importan t that sometimes people without proper education are not even accepted by our society. Today, many parents will do anything in order to send their children to the best schools, so their children can be educatedRead MoreUnderstanding Literacy, And Health Literacy1663 Words   |  7 PagesAn understanding of literacy, and health literacy is crucial to understand their impact on client health outcomes. Further, a nurse’s ability to better educate clients lies in his or her understanding of these terms. Literacy is a multilayered, dynamic and complex topic; however, in short literacy is a set of skills including reading, writing oral skills, numeracy skills, and skills that enable us to acquire knowledge and information (Keefe Copeland, 2011). Literacy can be understood throughRead MoreUnderstanding Literacy, And Health Literacy1665 Words   |  7 PagesUnderstanding Literacy, and Health Literacy An understanding of literacy, and health literacy is crucial to understand their impact on client health outcomes. Further, a nurse’s ability to better educate clients lies in his or her understanding of these terms. Literacy is a multilayered, dynamic and complex topic; however, in short literacy is a set of skills including reading, writing oral skills, numeracy skills, and skills that enable us to acquire knowledge and information (Keefe Copeland