Can Poor Health Literacy be Addressed by Bringing People Together, Face-to- Face?

Health Literacy colleagues,

A new report based on "a deep analysis of the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, a 2003 project that surveyed more than 14,000 Americans on their health literacy levels,"  has found that "people who are more connected with others on a personal level are more literate when it comes to health matters." The lead author,  R.V. Rikard, from Michigan State University, suggests that the problem can be fixed "not by logging onto the internet but by increased interaction with your fellow human beings." You will find a short article about the study here, (from which the quotes here have been taken) and the study itself here . Other members of the research team included: Maxine Thompson, North Carolina State University; Julie McKinney, Health Literacy Services; and Alison Beauchamp, Deakin University, Australia.

I am interested to know what health literacy educators and researchers here think of this study, Please share your thoughts with us.

My initial thought is that ideal environments for health literacy, where there could be both a focus on health content and a great deal of face-to-face interaction, might include adult basic skills (including English for immigrants) classes or nonformal learning circles. In addition to adult basic education centers, libraries could also be an ideal place for classes and learning circles that focus on health, especially family health. Health classes and learning circles could be sponsored by partnerships of adult basic skills programs, community health centers and libraries.

I would be interested in your thoughts about this, too.

David J. Rosen

djrosen123@gmail.com

Comments

We did an analysis of health information seeking behavior and adults with low literacy in 2012 when the PIAAC data were released.  Our findings indicate that people with low literacy are most likely to use oral sources (health professionals, family, friends, tv, radio) rather than print media in any form (including reading on the internet) when looking for health information.  You can find the article here.  The internet and technology are seductive tools when thinking about interventions for health information, however, for adults with low literacy, digital resources may not be accessible, useable, or understandable. 

Dear David and Iris:

Thank you for starting this discussion.  It seems to me that the studies circle a similar finding -- that social engagement, in form of civic engagement (e.g., voting, volunteering, using the library in the article David mentions), may provide important oral interactions.  Does that seem true?

Regarding the use of print media (including locating and reading on the internet), I'd like to call on our community members who are in libraries to respond:  How do library staff members (and adult educators) help to mediate the print media for adults with low literacy levels at the library?

Cynthia Zafft

Health Literacy Moderator