Abstract
The impact of limited literacy skills on health has been well documented, giving rise to a new field of study termed "health literacy". This is a multifaceted concept defined as one's ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Attention to health literacy has emphasized the need for health care systems to improve the manner in which health information is communicated to patients and families. In this article, the meaning and measure of health literacy is discussed taking an international perspective, along with possible responses to the problem.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | International Encyclopedia of Public Health |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc |
Pages | 432-437 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128037089 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780128036785 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 6 2016 |
Keywords
- Empowerment
- Health education
- Health information
- Health literacy
- Literacy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine