Health literacy: addressing the health and education divide

TLDR

Health literacy is increasingly recognized as vital for social, economic, and health development, yet general literacy alone cannot address major health challenges, as illustrated by the complex interface between literacy and HIV/AIDS outcomes in Africa. The paper reviews concepts and definitions of literacy and health literacy and raises conceptual, measurement, and strategic challenges. It proposes developing a set of indicators to quantify health literacy using experience from national literacy surveys worldwide. A health literacy index could serve as a composite measure of health promotion outcomes, documenting population health competence and linking it to health, social, and economic outcomes.

Abstract

Health literacy as a discrete form of literacy is becoming increasingly important for social, economic and health development. The positive and multiplier effects of education and general literacy on population health, particularly women's health, are well known and researched. However, a closer analysis of the current HIV/AIDS epidemics, especially in Africa, indicates a complex interface between general literacy and health literacy. While general literacy is an important determinant of health, it is not sufficient to address the major health challenges facing developing and developed societies. As a contribution to the health literacy forum in Health Promotion International, this paper reviews concepts and definitions of literacy and health literacy, and raises conceptual, measurement and strategic challenges. It proposes to develop a set of indicators to quantify health literacy using the experience gained in national literacy surveys around the world. A health literacy index could become an important composite measure of the outcome of health promotion and prevention activities, could document the health competence and capabilities of the population of a given country, community or group and relate it to a set of health, social and economic outcomes.