Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110607

Jolie Haun, MS, EdS, LMT, Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, 4100 SW 20th Ave. Apt G-25, Gainesville, FL 32607, 904-377-6796, joliehaun@bellsouth.net and Tristan Johnson, PhD, Learning Systems Institute, Florida State University, 4600 University Center C, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2540.

Background: Literature suggests that health literacy is a primary indicator of one's health status, yet nearly one in three Americans, have less than adequate health literacy skills, which results in as much as 73 billion dollars in unnecessary health costs annually. There is a large gap between current research and the amount of research necessary to resolve this social problem. Exploring patient's perceptions about healthcare interactions can provide direction for future research; help identify critical points of intervention to promote the efficacy of health literacy education and promotion programs. Methods: a survey research design will be used to collect data and analyze the findings of a sample consisting of individuals, ages 18-55 that have received healthcare services or have acted as an advocate for someone else in the past year. A minimum of 250 college students will be recruited to complete the survey. Instrument: The data collection instrument is a 50-item instrument using a Likert-scale. The instrument collects information about health interaction perceptions; obtaining, reading, understanding, and using health information; health literacy behaviors; and preferences about health information seeking. Data Analysis: Comparisons will be conducted to assess group differences. In addition to general instrument validation procedures, the data will be analyzed to understand the correlations among the instrument factors. Results: Available upon completion of research in April 2005.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to
• summarize the current status of health literacy in America;
• recite the current research in health literacy;
• state the methodology and instrumentation of the project research;
• discuss the outcome of the survey validation and data analysis; and
• discuss implications for research and practice.

Keywords: Health Care,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.