Understanding the health literacy of America: Results of the national assessment of adult literacy

DOI

10.1097/01.NOR.0000345852.22122.d6

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Publication Title

Orthopaedic Nursing

Volume

28

Issue

1

First Page

27

Last Page

32

ISSN

7446020

Abstract

Health literacy refers to an individuals ability to understand healthcare information to make appropriate decisions (). Healthcare professionals are obligated to make sure that patients understand information to maximize the benefits of healthcare. The National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) provides information on the literacy/health literacy levels of the U.S. adult population. The NAAL is the only large-scale survey of health literacy. The results of the NAAL provide information on literacy/health literacy and the relationship between background variables and literacy/health literacy. Multiple variables with potential for a relationship with literacy/health literacy were chosen for the NAAL including, but not limited to, education, language, race, gender, income, overall health, seeking health information, and health insurance.

Open Access

Green Accepted

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