Health Literacy in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the State of the Art

Abstract

Health literacy has been defined as the ability of people to access quality health information and apply it, making appropriate decisions in the process of health and a correct use of health services. Despite the large body of literature produced since the first studies of this topic on the adult population, there is less scientific documentation regarding children and adolescents. The research team conducted a literature review of health literacy in children and adolescents; as well as the role of digital health literacy and other divides in the health status of this specific group of the population. The results of the literature review showed that health literacy is crucial to obtain a good physical, emotional and cognitive development. It is also related with the acquisition of healthy behaviors and lifestyles. The level of health literacy depends on many factors such as personal health status, the existence of health problems or diseases; as well as socio-economic status, cultural, social, and demographic determinants of health, among other variables. These aspects at the family level, friends, and school life, moreover, influence children and adolescents. In this group of the population, health status and healthy lifestyles are not only influenced by the level of individual (or parental) health literacy, but also by the social context in which the child or youth is immersed. In addition, these variables related to socio-economic and cultural factors are associated with the existence of gaps or divides in certain groups. In this scenario, an adequate conceptualization of health literacy during childhood and adolescence is necessary when designing appropriate interventions and policies for this group of the population. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to define what we mean by health literacy and how we are going to measure it. In summary, it is important not to focus only on an individual perspective; on the contrary, it is necessary to understand health literacy in the context where children and youth live and develop, as well as their interactions with the health, educational and social system. Further research is needed to explore more in depth the importance of health literacy in children and adolescence.