Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Nurses' role and strategies to support the development of Health Literacy among citizens |
|---|---|
| Name | Valdez Acuna Mirna Elizabeth |
| Supervisor(s) | Martini Magda |
| Academic Year | 2015/16 |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
Health Literacy (HL) is the “Capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decision”. It is a relatively recent concept which is gaining importance in the field of public healthcare since it is strongly linked to the idea of prevention.
The term Health Literacy first appeared in 1974 in the USA in a paper by Simonds entitled “Health Education as Social Policy”. Over the years, a considerable number of scholars and researchers have given their contribution to re-elaborate the Health Literacy concept widening its borders.
In 1998 the World Health Organization included the term Health Literacy in its Health Promotion Glossary defining it as an important empowerment strategy, fundamental for people’s health since it influences healthy lifestyles, therapy adherence and appropriate access to healthcare services.
Recent studies have shown that low Health Literacy levels negatively affect people’s health representing a risk factor, moreover they increase disparities as well as healthcare system costs. In fact, it has been observed that patients with low Health Literacy do not use healthcare services appropriately, show poor medication adherence and difficulties to maintain good health.