Question

3. W hat are some problems with health information messages? How does information reach the population (think of social media, television, etc.,)? Think of literacy, people with disabilities.

Answer 1

*Health literacy is defined as "Cognitive and social skills that determine the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways that promote and maintain good health. Ninety million people in the U.S. suffer from health literacy challenges. Less than half U.S. adults fully understand their health plans. Embarrassment and frustration may discourage people with low literacy to pursue medical care

*High-status caregivers with poor and illiterate patients whose life experiences are different have more difficulty understanding and warming up to each other. Patients of low socioeconomic status are consistently less satisfied with medical care than other patients. Socioeconomic status includes factors of income, education, and employment level.

*Misunderstandings occur when caregivers interact with low socioeconomic status patients. Low socioeconomic status patients typically ask fewer questions and reveal less about health concerns. More likely to follow doctors' orders, but do not get as much information or guidance.

*Less likely to benefit from written materials (1 in 2 adults in the U.S. able to read beyond 8th-grade level). Preconceptions can hinder communication between caregivers and patients.

*Cultural misunderstandings are one reason that Hispanic Americans tend to underutilize health services. Language and citizenship are additional barriers. About 25% of Hispanics are not insured. Hispanic Americans do not feel health messages are relevant to them, and consequently are more likely to have health issues. Religion is important and may play a role in deterring health screenings.

Information reaches to the population by different means:

Health information reaches the population will be helpful for great access to health. The health information can be shared via websites, news, entertainment, and educational programming
Main criticism: sometimes professionals oversell scientific findings and overlook ongoing, everyday concerns
*Accuracy and fairness of the health information is not detectable
*A sizeable number of health stories are misleading and exaggerated
* Sensationalism: Media favors sensational news rather than useful information.

Medical settings are popular for entertainment, TV dramas, reality TV etc..Entertainment is indistinguishable from
education today.
*Portrayals of health-related behaviours:
-Create perceptions about things such as mental illness or disabilities, taboo health topics such as HIV/STIs in minds of the audience, even through fictional characters
-Some forms of mental illness have become popular on TV over others
Monk: obsessive-compulsive disorder shows a positive portrayal and has been applauded by U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, but some say it also shows a person with self-doubts who is needy and
emotional.