Health literacy as a challenge for health education

Abstract

Scientific literature demonstrates a well-established correlation between education and health literacy; education and health outcomes; health literacy and health outcomes. Health literacy has a mediating role between education and health. Health literacy is known as a complex concept, it has multiple definitions, underlying meanings and conceptual models. Diversity of health literacy can be a challenging motivator for health education. In-depth study of scientific literature was carried out to highlight the link between health literacy and health education and to emphasize health literacy challenges for health education. Five health literacy challenges for health education were identified: 1) health literacy as an outcome related to health education interventions; 2) multi-layered health literacy or different levels of health literacy; 3) the concept of health literacy and its comprehensiveness; 4) shift from a passive to more interactive and empowering health education; 5) cultural context of health literacy and health education. Enhanced health literacy definitions and conceptual models require more complex, comprehensive, socially oriented, culture sensitive, participatory health education.