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

Abstract #110613

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 90 million, have less than adequate health literacy skills. Health literacy is one of the critical components to achieving optimal health outcomes. Patients can increase the likelihood of achieving a positive health care process and optimal health outcomes if they are equipped with the appropriate functional health literacy skills to manage their health care process. Health educators, health care practitioners and other social service providers can provide patients with knowledge and skills to increase their independence and efficacy when interacting with health care providers. This presentation explores the definitions and dimensions of health literacy; risk factors associated with low levels of health literacy; health literacy skills needed to effectively engage the healthcare process; and assessments currently being used in practice. The session will present: the role of health educators, health practitioners and other social service providers in creating a supportive environment; empowering and educating patients; identifying low health literacy patients; and information concerning access to resources and remediation.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to
• state the role and benefits of health educators, health practitioners and other social service providers in creating a supportive environment and empowering patients;
• identify indicators of low health literacy patients;
• list 10 things patients can do to increase their functional health literacy ability;
• identify resources for information and remediation referral; and
• discuss directions 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.