Meeting the health literacy needs of immigrant populations

An Examination of Factors Associated With Self-Efficacy for Food Choice and Healthy Eating among Low-Income Adolescents in Three U.S. States

“…A key element in health communication interventions is careful segmentation of the target audience, which is necessary in messages tailoring (Atkin and Rice, 2013). This segmentation is particularly important in strategic communication where programs target vulnerable groups with culturally appropriate health campaigns (Kreps and Sparks, 2008).…”

Health Literacy as a Social Determinant of Health in Asian American Immigrants: Findings from a Population-Based Survey in California

“…1,2 One of the major contributors to these disparities is health literacy, 2,3 which is defined as Bthe degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." 4(p. 2) Combined with linguistic and cultural barriers, health literacy is a critical determinant of immigrant health, as it provides individuals with the motivation and ability to understand and use information to promote their health or manage health conditions.…”

“…17 Coffman and Norton studied health literacy and depression among Latino immigrants and concluded that new Latino immigrants were more likely to have lower health literacy, be depressed, and have lack of access to health care. 18 Although Asian American immigrants (hereafter referred to as Asian immigrants) as a whole may have a lower level of health literacy than non-Latino whites, 1,2 little is known about the levels of health literacy among distinct ethnic groups of Asian immigrants. Furthermore, to our knowledge, no study has explored how health literacy across different subgroups of Asian immigrant populations has an impact on different health outcomes.…”

Strategic Communication for Cancer Prevention and Control: Reaching and Influencing Vulnerable Audiences

“…3 Many members of these vulnerable populations are likely to experience key health communication barriers such as health literacy challenges, limited access to and ability to use key channels of communication (such as new information technologies), as well as suffer from serious social and economic problems that can limit their ability to get needed care and to follow cancer prevention and control recommendations. 4,5 There are a broad range of significant health risks confronting members of vulnerable populations today, including risks from cancers, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, HIV/AIDS, and other serious health threats. 6,7 Effective health communication is needed to help those members of the public who are at greatest risk (most vulnerable) for suffering from these health threats to recognize, minimize, and respond effectively to potential health problems.…”