Health Literacy

Healthy People 2010 defines health literacy 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" (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000).  Many factors affect individuals' ability to comprehend, and in turn use or act on, health information and communication.  Proficiency in reading, writing, listening, interpreting, oral communication, and visual analysis is necessary, as the modern health system typically relies on a variety of interpersonal, textual, and electronic media to present health information.

Through this project, The Institute for Disabilities Studies (IDS) and its partners will develop health literacy educational materials and strategies focused on a cross section of Mississippi preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school aged children and their parents. The approach will consist of activities to be initiated by children in classroom environments and involve other family members such as parents and siblings. Specifically, the project will

• Develop effective tool(s) focused on increasing family health literacy to augment Mississippi Department of Education's Comprehensive Health Education Framework;
• Instill awareness of health literacy and disability issues in elementary school children; and
• Improve parent/adult health literacy levels that affect decision making concerning accessing health care services for themselves and their children.

IDS believes it is essential that health literacy be family focused.  Even though substantial time is spent covering health education and literacy issues with children in preschool and public schools throughout the state, this learning by the child may not be reinforced by family behaviors.  The above outcomes will be accomplished by utilizing children in elementary schools in a region of the state to convey important health literacy information to family members through family focused activities.