Scoping health literacy in Latin America
E Arrighi1, E M Ruiz de Castilla2, F Peres3
1Escuela de Pacientes, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Global Health Promotion
|June 25, 2021
Summary
Health literacy positively impacts patient knowledge, behaviors, and health status. This study explores health literacy in Latin America, identifying challenges and proposing strategies for improvement.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Communication
- Health Equity
Background:
- Health literacy is linked to improved patient knowledge, behaviors, and health outcomes.
- Studies on health literacy in Latin America are scarce, regional, and show wide variation in adequate literacy rates (5.0%–73.3%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the current state of health literacy in Latin America.
- To explore challenges and strategies for promoting health literacy in the region.
- To provide actionable recommendations for policy and practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on health literacy in Latin America.
- Analysis of barriers affecting health literacy initiatives.
- Identification of successful intervention examples and technological solutions.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in health literacy rates across Latin American countries.
- Key challenges include socioeconomic inequality, isolation, and cultural, language, and policy barriers.
- Digital tools like infographics, videos, and mobile apps show promise in overcoming barriers.
Conclusions:
- Tailored programming, community involvement, and multi-sector collaboration are crucial for enhancing health literacy.
- Policy recommendations and successful intervention examples are provided to guide future efforts.
- Improving health literacy is essential for advancing health and well-being in Latin America.
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