Module 1: Introduction to Health Literacy
The ability to understand and use health information can have a broad impact on the health and well-being of people in rural communities. This module provides an overview of health literacy definitions and introduces some of the unique barriers and challenges to addressing health literacy in rural areas. It also provides important background information needed before implementing a program to improve health literacy in a rural community.
People with adequate levels of health literacy are better able to understand their health concerns and diagnoses as well as any treatment information. Interventions that improve personal health literacy have been shown to result in better outcomes such as increased personal health knowledge and improved adherence to prescribed treatment. Organizations that focus on improving health literacy help people better understand and use health information and in turn make it easier for people to interact with the healthcare system.
For general information on starting a rural community health program, see Creating a Program: Where to Begin in the Rural Community Health Toolkit.