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Related Concept Videos

Health Literacy01:21

Health Literacy

Health literacy is an individual's or a community's capacity to comprehend, receive, read, and use relevant healthcare information and services. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2018) defines health literacy as the cognitive and social skills that determine the ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways that promote and maintain good health. As a result, the WHO helps individuals manage long-term health concerns, participate in preventative programs,...
Concepts of Health and Illness01:29

Concepts of Health and Illness

Health is a condition of the body, mind, and spirit where an individual remains free from illness. Similarly, wellness is an active state, including living a lifestyle that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. Physical health is critical for the overall well-being and can be affected by lifestyle, activity level, diet, and behavior. The highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental and universal human right. Consider Lisa, a fifteen-year-old born with congenital...
Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention01:26

Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention

Health promotion allows a person to control the determinants of health, resulting in an improved health status. It enhances the quality of life and reduces premature deaths. Health promotion and illness prevention programs help people make beneficial choices to reduce the risk of disease and disabilities. There are three health promotion and illness prevention levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...
Integrated Healthcare System01:20

Integrated Healthcare System

An integrated healthcare system (IHS) is a set of organizations that provides for or arranges to provide coordinated and continuous service to a defined population. The IHS takes responsibility for that particular population's health status and outcome, both clinically and fiscally. An integrated healthcare system is a well-organized, well-coordinated, and collaborative network. The integrated delivery system is a network that connects different healthcare providers to deliver organized,...
Dimensions of Health and Illness01:21

Dimensions of Health and Illness

The factors influencing the health-illness continuum can be internal or external and may or may not be under conscious control. They are related to the following eight human dimensions, and each dimension is interrelated to one other.
Lifestyle Factors and Health01:20

Lifestyle Factors and Health

Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

A Method for Manipulating Blood Glucose and Measuring Resulting Changes in Cognitive Accessibility of Target Stimuli
08:01

A Method for Manipulating Blood Glucose and Measuring Resulting Changes in Cognitive Accessibility of Target Stimuli

Published on: August 12, 2016

Health literacy: what is it?

Nancy D Berkman1, Terry C Davis, Lauren McCormack

  • 1RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, USA. berkman@rti.org

Journal of Health Communication
|September 17, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Understanding health literacy is crucial as literacy needs evolve. This review explores its history and definitions, addressing the persistent question of what constitutes health literacy.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Sociology of Health
  • Health Communication

Background:

  • The concept of health literacy has evolved significantly from early measures of functional literacy.
  • Increasingly complex societal demands necessitate advanced literacy skills for effective functioning.
  • Low literacy skills are recognized as a potential determinant of health and healthcare outcomes.

Observation:

  • This paper traces the historical development of literacy in the United States.
  • It examines the origins and evolving conceptualization of health literacy.
  • The growing interest in health literacy highlights a persistent definitional ambiguity.

Findings:

  • Health literacy emerged from efforts to define and quantify adult literacy needs.
  • There is a growing recognition of the link between sophisticated literacy skills, societal participation, and health outcomes.

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Universal Screening for Prevention of Reading, Writing, and Math Disabilities in Spanish
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Universal Screening for Prevention of Reading, Writing, and Math Disabilities in Spanish

Published on: July 18, 2020

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A Method for Manipulating Blood Glucose and Measuring Resulting Changes in Cognitive Accessibility of Target Stimuli
08:01

A Method for Manipulating Blood Glucose and Measuring Resulting Changes in Cognitive Accessibility of Target Stimuli

Published on: August 12, 2016

Universal Screening for Prevention of Reading, Writing, and Math Disabilities in Spanish
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Universal Screening for Prevention of Reading, Writing, and Math Disabilities in Spanish

Published on: July 18, 2020

  • Despite increased attention, a clear, universally accepted definition of health literacy remains elusive.

    • Implications:

    • Clarifying the definition of health literacy is essential for targeted interventions and research.
    • A better understanding can inform policies aimed at improving health equity.
    • Further research is needed to establish a consensus on the meaning and measurement of health literacy.