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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Lynda Bergsma, PhD¹, Jennifer Peters¹, Kristina Johnson², and Ada Dieke¹. (1) Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Drachman Hall, Rm A268, 1295 Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724, 520-403-7450, lbergsma@u.arizona.edu, (2) Rural/Frontier Women's Health Coordinating Center, Arizona Association of Community Health Centers, 320 East McDowell Rd, Ste 320, Phoenix, AZ 85004

The strong association among poor education, low literacy, poor health, and early death is intensified in rural areas. Health literacy has emerged as a critical health care issue, particularly for individuals who assume personal responsibility for health care not only for themselves, but family members and others. Women are most likely to fall into this category. Although numerous studies have demonstrated that patients with limited health literacy have less ability to manage their illness, there is a need for more studies that examine where and how individuals obtain, process, and understand the health information they use to guide their health care decisions. The Institute of Medicine Committee on Health Literacy contends that competing sources of health information (including national media, the Internet, product marketing, health education, and consumer protection) intensify the need for improved health literacy. This study laid the groundwork necessary to design an intervention for rural women to: 1) increase their health literacy and critical thinking skills and 2) ultimately improve their health status and support their needs as caregivers. Three hundred women at rural Community Health Centers in Arizona were surveyed (English/Spanish) to assess basic health literacy skills using the STOFHLA and collect data on types of health information accessed and how information from competing sources is evaluated. Study findings add to the literature on health literacy, specifically as it relates to rural women. They support the adoption of an expanded definition of health literacy which includes the need to address media literacy and critical thinking skills.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Assess the health literacy status of rural women.
• Identify the predominant sources of health information used by rural woman.
• Analyze this information to determine how to increase health literacy and develop health information materials for rural women.

Keywords: Health Literacy, Rural Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered