Functional Health literacy among a group of Hispanic elders

Background and Purpose:Functional health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions using both information and services. Inadequate levels of health literacy affect the health status of individuals and are associated with a range of poor health-related outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of functional health literacy in a group of elders who participate in seniors’ activity centers. Methods: A total of 100 people aged 65 years or older who attended a seniors’ activity center were using a structured questionnaire which included demographic information, use of health services, the Spanish version of the short functional literacy scale (S-TOFHLA) and the generic health scale version  (SF- 36 v2). Results: More than half (54%) presented inadequate levels of health literacy, 15% reported marginal health literacy, while 31% had adequate levels of health literacy. More than one-fifth (22%) reported that they did not understand the instructions that the provider offered at the moment of the treatment and 22% understand a little of the instructions from the provider. More than one-third (34%) reported difficulty completing the medical forms. Conclusion: Health literacy presents adult educators with an opportunity to motivate adult learning while providing adults with knowledge and skills that will enhance their lives and the well-being of their families.