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Reconceptualizing Health Literacy to End Confusions: An Umbrella Review Research
Mohtasham Ghaffari1, Fatemeh Bahrambeygi2, Leili Mazar3
1Department of Public Health School of Public Health & Safety Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.
Health Science Reports
|December 29, 2025
Summary
This umbrella review clarifies health literacy definitions by analyzing systematic reviews. It proposes a KAPS framework (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Skills) to guide future health literacy research and interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Literacy Research
- Systematic Review Methodology
Background:
- Evolving definitions of health literacy cause confusion, hindering effective interventions and policy development.
- An umbrella review is needed to synthesize existing systematic reviews on health literacy definitions and conceptualizations.
- Clarifying health literacy concepts is crucial for advancing public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively evaluate systematic reviews defining health literacy.
- To categorize and clarify existing information on health literacy, resolving inconsistencies.
- To develop a unified framework and definition for health literacy.
Main Methods:
- Followed Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for umbrella reviews.
- Systematically searched nine databases and two organizational websites in July 2023.
- Critically appraised 14 identified systematic reviews, excluding 3 low-quality studies, and thematically analyzed the remaining 11.
Main Results:
- Eleven systematic reviews were included, with six redefining health literacy and four presenting theoretical frameworks.
- Extracted 360 themes for health literacy, classified into four dimensions: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Skills (KAPS framework).
- Identified three evolutionary flows in health literacy: discipline-based, conceptual specification, and organizational perspectives.
Conclusions:
- Redefined health literacy in alignment with public health discourse for future research and interventions.
- The developed KAPS framework and definition offer a practical tool for health literacy research.
- This work aims to reduce confusion and enhance the effectiveness of health literacy interventions and policies.
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