health

Low health literacy leads to poor outcomes

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted July 25, 2011

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Patients with low health literacy are less likely to take medicine correctly, and they receive fewer mammograms and influenza vaccines than individuals who have a greater understanding of their health care, says a study published online July 18 in the Annals of Internal Medicine (link).

Researchers examined 96 studies published between 1996 and February 2011 that measured patient health literacy and numeracy. The study defines health literacy as a set of skills that people need to function effectively in the health care environment. These skills include numeracy, which is an ability to use quantitative information for tasks such as adhering to medication regimens.

Researchers encourage policymakers and health professionals to find ways to increase patients' health literacy skills and reduce the negative effects of low health literacy on patient outcomes.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/07/25/hlbf0725.htm.

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