NSG 3200 Health Promotion - Galen College of Nursing_Health Literacy and Health Disparities

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Health Literacy and Health Disparities Kayla Sylvia Galen College of Nursing NSG 3200 Health Promotion Kimberly Clabaugh, RN, MSN August 8, 2021 2 Introduction Health literacy is a way to h... elp improve patient health through education. It allows patients to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to help make appropriate health decisions (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2019). Understanding health literacy means taking into consideration one’s ability to read and comprehend any material provided by healthcare providers regarding the patient’s disease, as well as their ability to care for themselves and perform tasks needed to do so. Individuals with lower health literacy tend to not have the best healthcare outcomes due to their daily struggle obtaining and applying health information. According to the HRSA (2019) low literacy is more common among older adults, minorities, individuals with a lower socioeconomic status, as well as those who are culturally and linguistically incompetent. As a healthcare provider it is crucial to acknowledge these deficits when treating patients. This paper will discuss the health disparities and ways to promote health literacy while decreasing disparities within healthcare. Health Disparities An individual’s quality of life and health is dependent upon their disparity. Health disparity is defined by Healthy People 2020 as “a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage (ODPHP, n.d.).” This means when individuals who cannot receive the same care as another due to their gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion or socioeconomic status (SES), it is known as a health disparity. One specific population who is at risk for increased barriers due to disparities are those with chronic diseases, such as those diagnosed with diabetes. Barriers in healthcare are known as conditions that restrict or prevent the access to necessary care and treatment. Many individuals lack knowledge about primary prevention causes, such as risk factors, lifesty [Show More]

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