Advancing Health Literacy: A Framework for Understanding and Action

by Christina Zarcadoolas, Andrew Pleasant, David S. Greer

Advancing Health Literacy addresses the crisis in health literacy in the United States and around the world. This book thoroughly examines the critical role of literacy in public health and outlines a practical, effective model that bridges the gap between health education, health promotion, and health communication. Step by step, the authors outline the theory and practice of health literacy from a public health perspective. This comprehensive resource includes the history of health literacy, theoretical foundations of health and language literacy, the role of the media, a series of case studies on important topics including prenatal care, anthrax, HIV/AIDS, genomics, and diabetes. The book concludes with a series of practical guidelines for the development and assessment of health communications materials. Also included are essential techniques needed to help people make informed decisions, advocate for themselves and their community, mitigate risk, and live healthier lives.

Genres: Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2006

Reviews

[Vivian Dong · Rating 4 out of 5]

this sounds like a book i was required to read but i fully chose to read it myself

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was interesting to read, but I didn't think it was a valuable source of information to use for my health literacy course. Some of the studies in the book were from 1980s and 1990s, which don't necessarily contribute to an accurate depiction of health literacy in 2013. Interesting observation - assignments in my health literacy class focused on explaining why many conservative/republican politicians are bad people. Good thing colleges don't teach us what "bias" means because if they did, I mightthink that my professor is unqualified to be teaching future generations. This book wasn't that blatant, but I did sense a slight lean towards the left.

[Policythinkshop Blogger · Rating 4 out of 5]

"People's ability to understand their own health condition and their surrounding health environment is critical for all decision making that leads to improved health for individuals and communities. Read this book and it will help you see how education and training may lead to savings and better outcomes in personal and community healthcare everywhere."

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is a textbook, it is very strong. While the case studies are useful, this book offers an incredibly effective engagement with - and definition of - health literacy. For those interested in exploring and developing the relationship between health communication and health literacy, then this is an ideal starting point.

[Aja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to health literacy from the view point of a public health professional, much less emphasis on medical practitioners. I would definitely use this book in the future to teach this topic.