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The relationship between literacy and health
1Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson 85724.
Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Low health literacy is linked to poor health outcomes in underserved populations. Further research is needed to understand the health effects of impaired literacy skills in the U.S. and develop alternative patient communication methods.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Literacy Research
- Sociomedical Sciences
Background:
- Globally, low literacy rates correlate with poor health status.
- In the U.S., the relationship between illiteracy and health status, independent of other factors, is not well-researched.
- Patient educational materials are often written above average adult reading levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent relationship between illiteracy and health status in the United States.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking literacy and health.
- To highlight implications for healthcare in underserved populations.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing literature and research.
- Analysis of sociodemographic factors and their relation to health status.
- Examination of patient communication methods and their accessibility.
Main Results:
- While not explicitly detailed in the abstract, the study posits plausible mechanisms for a link between literacy and health.
- Existing patient materials may pose barriers to understanding for a significant portion of the adult population.
- The need for further research is emphasized.
Conclusions:
- Impaired literacy skills may negatively impact the health status of Americans.
- There is a critical need for research on the health effects of low literacy in the U.S.
- Development of non-literacy-dependent healthcare communication strategies is essential.