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Keyword: public health
A cross-sectional study of pandemic influenza health literacy and the effect of a public health campaign [Aus]
This study by Jhummon-Mahadnac et al (2012) sought to ascertain the understanding of 2009 pandemic (H1N1) influenza and relevant infection control measures in an emergency department population and to assess the effectiveness of education campaigns in informing the public about the pandemic. This is the first Australian study to correlate the general public’s knowledge of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza with a health department public health campaign. Jhummon-Mahadnac et al (2012) found the knowledge regarding pandemic influenza was high in this emergency department population and positively affected by official campaigns. The authors recommend that pandemic planning should address knowledge gaps and the impression that authorities had exaggerated the public-health threat.
Preparing for an Epidemic of Limited Health Literacy: Weathering the Perfect Storm
Parker et al (2008): Empirical data collected over the past two decades have demonstrated strong links between low literacy skills and poor health outcomes, including mortality. Recently, the Educational Testing Service released a relevant report predicting that our nation is at great risk as a result of declining adult literacy, shifting demographics, and a changing economy. It is essential to understand how these educational and socioeconomic changes will impact health care and prepare for a likely epidemic of limited health literacy. A formative public health response should include seeking out new strategies for health systems to advance our public’s health literacy, while working with the educational system to better equip younger generations with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate health care.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2517979/?tool=pmcentrez
Understanding the Internal and External Validity of Health Literacy Interventions: A Systematic Literature Review Using the RE-AIM Framework
In this study by Allen et al (2011) the authors conducted a systematic literature review, using the RE-AIM framework, with the goal of determining what information is available to inform research to practice translation of health promotion interventions developed to address health literacy. They suggest that the current research on health promotion for participants with low health literacy provides insufficient information to conclude whether interventions for health literacy can attract the target population, achieve an effect that is sustainable, or be generalized outside of clinical settings.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10810730.2011.604381
Active-Learning Strategies to Develop Health Literacy Knowledge and Skills
The objective of this study by Devraj et al (2010) is to implement active-learning exercises in a required pharmacy course and assess their impact on students' knowledge and confidence in identifying and communicating with patients with low health literacy. The authors conclude that the addition of active-learning activities was effective in teaching health literacy concepts to pharmacy students.
Which providers can bridge the health literacy gap in lifestyle risk factor modification education: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
This review by Dennis et al (2012) reviewed 52 health literacy interventions for upskilling the health literacy of patients. Each intervention was found within a primary care setting in the United States. Results find that most initiatives are successful in upskilling health literacy, however, the measure of success depends on the intensity of the intervention.
Back to Basics: Why Basic Research Is Needed to Create Effective Health Literacy Interventions
This paper by Johnson et al (2011) is United States policy centric). Limited health literacy is increasingly recognized as a public health problem. Growing recognition of the problem—and the need for solutions—creates an imperative for the field of health literacy research to identify effective interventions. The National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy (U.S. DHHS, 2010) recommends increased basic research in health literacy. This paper elaborates on this call by explicating what is meant by basic research and describing several of the ways in which basic research will benefit the field of health literacy research and, particularly, progress toward designing successful interventions.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10810730.2011.604707
Health Literacy, eHealth, and Communication: Putting the Consumer First: Workshop Summary
There is great enthusiasm over the use of emerging interactive health information technologies-often referred to as eHealth-and the potential these technologies have to improve the quality, capacity, and efficiency of the health care system. However, many doctors, advocacy groups, policy makers and consumers are concerned that electronic health systems might help individuals and communities with greater resources while leaving behind those with limited access to technology. This report by the National Academies Press in the US summarizes the outcome of a workshop held to discuss the current status of communication technology, the challenges for its use in populations with low health literacy, and the strategies for increasing the benefit of these technologies for populations with low health literacy.
Health Information Literacy Outreach: Improving Health Literacy and Access to Reliable Health Information in Rural Oxford County Maine
This article by Kurtz-Rossiab and Duguaya (2010) assesses the implementation of a health literacy curriculum by teachers and librarians in rural Maine. They found that the majority of students were more confident in their ability to interpret web-based health content after completing the course.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15397734.2010.524089
An Inter-sectoral Approach for Improving Health Literacy for Canadians
The Approach identifies the importance of improving health literacy as a crucial component of the determinants of health. Its three fundamental components (develop knowledge, raise awareness and build capacity, and build infrastructure and partnerships) are intended to guide and encourage collective and cohesive actions at federal, provincial/territorial, and local levels that will result in the enhanced health literacy of all Canadians.
http://www.phabc.org/userfiles/file/IntersectoralApproachforHealthLiteracy-FINAL.pdf
Clear Communication: An NIH Health Literacy Initiative
Information pertaining to the NIH Health Literacy Initiative "Clear Communication". Information and resources are provided under the following headings: health literacy, plain language, clear and simple, cultural competency, and talking to your doctor.
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