Health Literacy and Cultural Awareness
It is true that Health Literacy is becoming a crucial aspect in the health care and public health affairs. According to a definition of Health Literacy found at the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM), Health literacy is defined in Healthy People 2010 as: the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Health literacy includes the ability to understand instructions on prescription drug bottles, appointment slips, medical education brochures, doctor’s directions and consent forms, and the ability to negotiate complex health care systems. Health literacy is not simply the ability to read. It requires a complex group of reading, listening, analytical, and decision-making skills and the ability to apply these skills to health situations (National Networks of Libraries of Medicine, n.d.).
Lack of health literacy is also an important factor leading to the health disparities including and up to issues related to cultural awareness. Healthcare practitioners should know and respect patients’ cultural beliefs in terms of what is or is not acceptable in their principles. Likewise, other latest researches have proof that in spite of the stable advances in the inclusive health of the United States (US), racial and cultural subgroups still experience a lesser quality of healthcare and are less likely to obtain routine medical treatments, plus exhibit greater rates of morbidity and mortality than other larger groups. Health Literacy is becoming an important part of public health fields. However, issues related to health literacy and cultural awareness have important topics of concerns, when looking at vaccinations like HPV vaccines.
Cultural capability is a set of compatible conducts, attitudes and policies that come together in a scheme or specialization and enable that structure or agency to work effectively in cross-cultural circumstances. There is an article, which expand discussions of how cultural differences in beliefs and attitudes of HPV vaccines come into composition. Cohen & Head (2013) examined differences in knowledge, attitudes, and related practices among adopters and nonadopters of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, the researchers conducted 83 in-depth interviews with 18- to 26-year-old women. The study identified knowledge-attitude-practice gaps in the context of the HPV vaccine, and explained why diffusion of a preventive innovation (such as the HPV vaccine) requires targeted risk strategies to increase demand. Research findings identified similarities between vaccinated and unvaccinated women’s lack of knowledge and uncertainties about HPV and cervical cancer.
I have learned from my current practice that healthcare globalization has created the need for health practitioners to become capable in inter-cultural consciousness and practices. I have also learned that the effects of globalization in working with different patients of different backgrounds exert extreme influence on the health condition and the industrial sector of a particular nation.
The continues discussion of one issue within the concept of health literacy and cultural awareness was sought by Andrulis, & Brach (2007). It is unfortunate to note the lack of association and participation for health practitioners in combating health literacy issues, which seemed unresponsive to some vulnerable groups’ needs. Moreover, clinicians, the health care team, and health care organizations have important roles to play in addressing challenges related to literacy, culture, and language barriers (Andrulis, & Brach, 2007). Different cultures may have different views about HPV vaccine. As a health practitioner, it is important to acquire cultural awareness skills. Diversity skills also aid healthcare professionals make cross-cultural assessments that influence patients of different diversity. Through proper use of diversity skills culturally competent care could be improved.
It is currently clear that that are challenges of health literacy in the aging population. Mullen, E. (2013) explored fascinating discussions about the necessity of program interventions that would enhance health literacy in the elderly population. Additionally, due to high costs associated to low health literacy, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) had recommended development initiatives that would improve understanding of basic health information.
The National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy provides a blueprint for efforts to improve health literacy and calls for a response from all sectors involved in health information and services to create a society that:
- Provides everyone access to accurate, actionable health information;
- Delivers person-centered health information and services; and
- Supports life-long learning and skills to promote good health
Andrulis, D. P., & Brach, C. (2007). Integrating Literacy, Culture, and Language to Improve Health Care Quality for Diverse Populations. American Journal of Health Behavior, 31S122-S133.
Cohen, E. L., & Head, K. J. (2013). Identifying Knowledge-Attitude-Practice Gaps to Enhance HPV Vaccine Diffusion. Journal of Health Communication, 18(10), 1221-1234.
National Network of Libraries of Medicine. (n.d.). Health Literacy. Retrieved June 19, 2015 from http://nnlm.gov/outreach/consumer/hlthlit.html
Mullen, E. (2013). Health Literacy Challenges in the Aging Population. Nursing Forum, 48(4), 248-255.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (n.d.) Health Literacy. Retrieved June 21, 2015 from http://www.health.gov/communication/literacy/
