Blueprint for Health Literacy: Population education, community health innovation

Abstract

Introduction: The WHO submits that improving peoples' access to health information and enhancing their capacity to use it effectively arc forms of health empowerment. Health literacy involves the acquisition of skills that arc essential to effectively search for and obtain, process and interpret and use basic health information available. With the current national data on literacy rate in Nigeria, the future looks bleak for health literacy if appropriate and adequate measures are not put in place to address the problems. A functional health care system relies on efficient health literacy programme as the bedrock of health security. The goal of health literacy review is to establish the gaps and important roles of health literacy in the quest to enhancing health security. Methods: This was an exploratory study design, using an empirical study guide that was developed from the set objectives. Appropriate search engine tools including Google scholar and desk review of documents and journal articles were used as a source of information. Information harvested were analyzed thematically based on the themes from the objectives. Findings: Factors influencing health literacy were identified and suggestions to address the observed gaps were highlighted. These include development and dissemination of health information that is accurate, accessible, and actionable, using all appropriate health promotion and education approaches. Increase in research funding, and evaluation of interventions are equally required. Conclusion: The review has revealed the health status will improve when health literacy is fostered. Statutorily, all aspect of health care needs to subscribe to the philosophy of health literacy.