Health Literacy: Collected Definitions

This is my collection of definitions of the term health literacy. For each
definition the source is listed.

Health Literacy is a person's ability to understand and use health related
information -- things that people commonly encounter in the health care
setting --such as reading an appointment slip, interpreting prescription
information, or understanding recommendations for self-care.

~ The Virginia Tech Institute for Community Health
Addressing Health Literacy
http://www.chre.vt.edu/projects/ICH/healthlit.htm

Health literacy refers to the set of skills needed to read, understand, and
act on basic health care information.
~ National Academy on an Aging Society
Costs of Low Health Literacy, Kristen Kilker
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Health literacy represents the cognitive and social skills which determine
the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and
use information in ways which promote and maintain good health. Health
literacy means more than being able to read the pamphlets and make
appointments. By improving people's access to health information and their
capacity to use it effectively, health literacy is critical to empowerment.
~World Health Organization, Health Promotion Glossary, 1998
Health Literacy in South West Sydney, Australia by Cathy O'Callaghan

Health literacy refers to the ability to read, understand, and act on health
information.
~ American Medical Association
AMA CME kit (self-study)

[Health Literacy is] the degree to which individuals have the capacity to
obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed
to make appropriate health decisions.
~ National Library of Medicine Health Literacy Bibliography
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/cbm/hliteracy.html

When we talk about health literacy, we specifically mean knowing how to read
and understand instructions on pill bottles, appointment slips, informed
consent documents, discharge instructions, health education materials, and
insurance applications.
~ Ruth M. Parker, MD, Update on Health Literacy
Proceedings of the 3rd Conference on Health Literacy, January 2000


[Health Literacy is] a key societal resource within a learning society, that
allows a country not only to develop the health, well-being and wealth of
its population, but also to continue to be an effective competitor in the
world economy.
~ Ilona S. Kickbusch, PhD The Future of Health Literacy: A Global
Perspective
Proceedings (PDF format -- 1.7MB) of the 3rd Conference on Health Literacy,
January 2000

In my understanding health literacy empowers individuals with the ability
and the skills to negotiate their own health within the society at large and
within the health care system in particular and to do so responsibly.
~ Ilona S. Kickbusch, PhD The Future of Health Literacy: A Global
Perspective
Proceedings of the 3rd Conference on Health Literacy, January 2000

Health literacy is the ability of individuals to obtain, interpret, and
understand basic health information and services and to use such information
and services in ways which enhance health.
~ National Health Education Standards, American Cancer Society


Health Literacy is the capacity to understand health information and beyond
that, to act on it appropriately.
~Karen Katen, President, US Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc
Health Literacy News, Volume 2

Sandra Smith, MPH CHES
800-444-8806
Zero to Three Fellow
National Center for Infants, Toddlers & Families
Health Education Specialist
University of Washington
Center for Health Education & Research
Clinical Instructor, Health Services
Editor: http://www.PrenatalEd.com
Beginnings: A Practical Guide through Pregnancy
Beginnings Parent's Guide
Mailing Address: 2821 2nd Ave Suite 1601
Seattle WA 98121
Fax 206-728-1926
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-----Original Message-----
From: Health Promotion on the Internet [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Annie Villeseche
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2001 4:06 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Health literacy


Hello
I am looking for a definition of health literacy. Thank you for your help.
Annie
--------------------------

Annie Villesèche
Workforce Development Coordinator
Health Promotion
Social and Emotional Wellness Branch
(SOEWELL)
Department of Health and Community Services
Darwin NT
PO Box 40596 Casuarina NT 0811 Australia

Ph 08 8999 2615
Fax 08 8999 2420
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