Health literacy: the solid facts
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Abstract
This publication makes the case for policy action to strengthen health literacy. Evidence, including the results of the European Health Literacy Survey, is presented that supports a wider and relational whole-of-society approach to health literacy that considers both an individual’s level of health literacy and the complexities of the contexts within which people act. The data from the European Health Literacy Survey show that nearly half the Europeans surveyed have inadequate or problematic health literacy. Weak health literacy skills are associated with riskier behaviour, poorer health, less self-management and more hospitalization and costs. Strengthening health literacy has been shown to build individual and community resilience, help address health inequities and improve health and well-being. Practical and effective ways public health and other sectoral authorities and advocates can take action to strengthen health literacy in a variety of settings are identified. Specific evidence is presented for educational settings, workplaces, marketplaces, health systems, new and traditional media and political arenas.
Citation
Kickbusch, Ilona, Pelikan, Jürgen M, Apfel, Franklin & Tsouros, Agis D (2013). Health literacy: the solid facts. World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/326432
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Relation
Temporal Coverage
Statement of Responsibility
Description
vi, 73 p.
Table of Contents
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PMID
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ISBN
9789289000154
9789289000161 (ebook)
9789289000161 (ebook)
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Language
English