Question

Health Literacy
List 5 (five) health literacy issues that can potentially inhibit a person's capacity to access, understand, evaluate and communicate information to maintain and improve their health

Answer 1

Health literacy issues:

• Limitation in obtaining health information: Patient with low literacy rate is challengeable in obtaining of all health information related to their health history and to plan treatment accordingly. They are under knowledgeable in providing all required health information which inhibits the treatment plan.
• Ineffective communication: It is challengeable for the health care professional to maintain an effective relationship with the patient as they lack in communication process due to low literacy rate. Effective communication is ultimate in improving the health of the person. Patient with a different language is also a barrier.
• Challenges in using health information: Patient with low literacy rate have limited in using health accessibility and other resources which increases the health risk and other problems. Comparing to high literacy people, low literacy people are not involved in screening and preventive programs.
• Lack in self-care: People have a lack of knowledge about the self-assessment of health and health care use which increases the chronic diseases of diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. Poor environmental sanitation also increases the epidemic disease.
• Challenges in health teaching: Health care professionals face challenges in the teaching of these patients about the treatment plan, importance of regular medication, follow-up of care, and preventive care. They are planning a culturally appropriate teaching plan in order to maximize their knowledge.