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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Laura L. Ours, MS¹, Jonathan P. Levin, MPH², Gary R. Black, BA¹, and Charisse Jenkins, MSPH³. (1) Health Communication, Mecklenburg County Health Department, 249 Billingsley Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211, 7044324250, ourslau@co.mecklenburg.nc.us, (2) Health Promotion Program, Mecklenburg County Health Department, 249 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211, (3) Epidemiology Program, Mecklenburg County Health Department, 249 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 29730

The Institute of Medicine's 2004 report on health literacy concluded that almost 50% of U.S. adults have difficulty understanding and acting on health information. Low health literacy is identified as the number one predictor of poor health outcomes and contributes to health disparities.

Research has studied tools such as low literacy written materials and video, and has shown many to be effective in improving communication. However, limited information exists on how effective these tools are in improving access to care.

Community dialogs with at-risk groups were conducted as formative evaluation to create appropriate messages and messengers for a stroke prevention educational video. Health Communicators will assess the efficacy of the video to provide comprehensive, informative, and easily understood facts relating to the signs, symptoms, and risks of stroke and will improve individuals' self-efficacy for provider encounters.

Pre and post tests will be administered to measure increase in knowledge and attitudes on the following points: healthy blood pressure reading, healthy cholesterol readings, and signs and symptoms of stroke, including when to call 911. Findings will help educators, public health professionals, and medical providers deliver information in formats their audiences can understand and use.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Define health literacy and discuss its effect on health outcomes
• 2.Identify the barriers to accessing care among individuals with low health literacy skills
• 3.Explore the use of formative evaluation in creating a health education video
• 4.Describe three or more tips for clear communication

Keywords: Health Literacy, Access to Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation