Health Literacy

 

What is health literacy?

Health Literacy is defined by Healthy People 2010 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."

 

According to the Institute of Medicine, 90 million American's have difficulty understanding and using health information.

 

What is the relationship between literacy and health care?

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine acknowledges the complex relationship between health care and literacy, citing the following:

• Literacy influences health knowledge, status and service
• Health status is influenced by socioeconomic status
• Individuals with low socioeconomic statuses are more likely to work in unhealthy or hazardous environments

The ability to read and comprehend health related information is critical when scheduling physician appointments, understanding prescription directions and completing insurance forms. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that those with low health literacy are more likely to have difficulties:

• Locating providers and services
• Completing medical history forms
• Seeking preventative health care
• Connecting risky behaviors and health consequqnces
• Managing chronic health conditions

The Journal of American Medical Assocation's findings from 1995 suggest:

• Twenty percent of patients have difficulties when scheduling appointments
• Seventy five percent ofp atients are unable to deterine eligibility for financial aid because of low literacy levels

Who is most at risk to suffer the adverse consequences of health literacy?

While individuals from all backgrounds may have health literacy difficulties, the National Adult Literacy Survey cites that individuals of lower socioeconomic status and older individuals have the most difficulties comprehending health care information. The U.S. Department of Health adds that minority groups are likely to be especially vulnerable.

 

How is low health literacy impacting the economy?

According tot the National Adult Literacy Survey, in 2001 alone, it is estimated that an extra 32 billion dollars was accumulated in additional health care costs as a result of lower than average literacy levels.

 

The Center on an Aging Society at Georgetown University cites that excess hosptial costs resulting from low literacy levels include:

• Additional hospital visits
  • Those with low health literacy levels use more hosptial resources than their higher health literacy counterparts.
• Extended hosptial stays
  • A 1994 study concluded that of young adults staying overnight in hospitals, individuals with low health literacy levels had hospital stays averaging two days longer than those with higher health literacy levels.
• Excess tests and procedures

 

What resources are available to learn more about health literacy?

• Center for Health Care Strategies
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• National Network of Libraries of Medicine
• Medical Library Association
• Institute of Medicine of the National Academics