(1)Health Literacy

Health literacy is not precisely synonymous with general literacy. “Health literacy refers to how ell an
individual can read, interpret, and comprehend health information for maintaining an optimal level of
wellness.” (Bastable et al., 2011, p.231) The medical and healthcare fields rely on technical terms and
sometimes unfamiliar or difficult concepts, such that some information may present problems even to
an otherwise literate person. Literacy problems may result from socioeconomic challenges, educational
differences, or cultural attitudes. Higher risks in this area attach to groups which are seen as
disadvantaged in these areas.

Of the literacy myths described in the text (Bastable et al, 2011, p. 242), I feel the first most common is
the presumed correlation of educational level and literacy skills. The “educated idiot” is a nearly
universal character, familiar to all. A degree doesn't always guarantee that just because someone
graduated, they can generate a coherent sentence! The second most common is that appearance
distinguishes the illiterate. The truth here is that just being unable to read doesn't make you stand out in
a crowd. Unfortunately, our educational system often fails to ensure that students leave school with
what was formerly thought of as a basic education. The effects on the health education process are
evident; even physicians have to read carefully and regularly to keep up with advances in the medical
field. How much more so for patients who are lay people without the background to keep up with
health literature.

Assessing literacy can be a challenge for healthcare providers, since we learn that many illiterates go to
great lengths to disguise their lack of reading ability. Attentiveness on the part of nurses, especially,
can help ensure that the information needs of this population are met.

Reference

Bastable, S., Gramet, P., Jacobs, K., Spoczyk, D., (2011) Health Professional as Educator. Jones and
Bartlett