Health literacy and health communication |
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Authors: | Hirono Ishikawa Takahiro Kiuchi |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Health Communication, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan |
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Abstract: | Health communication consists of interpersonal or mass communication activities focused on improving the health of individuals
and populations. Skills in understanding and applying information about health issues are critical to this process and may
have a substantial impact on health behaviors and health outcomes. These skills have recently been conceptualized in terms
of health literacy (HL). This article introduces current concepts and measurements of HL, and discusses the role of HL in
health communication, as well as future research directions in this domain. Studies of HL have increased dramatically during
the past few years, but a gap between the conceptual definition of HL and its application remains. None of the existing instruments
appears to completely measure the concept of HL. In particular, studies on communication/interaction and HL remain limited.
Furthermore, HL should be considered not only in terms of the characteristics of individuals, but also in terms of the interactional
processes between individuals and their health and social environments. Improved HL may enhance the ability and motivation
of individuals to find solutions to both personal and public health problems, and these skills could be used to address various
health problems throughout life. The process underpinning HL involves empowerment, one of the major goals of health communication. |
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