Health Literacy in Lombardy gambling prevention program: reflections for health promotion policies

Abstract

Abstract Issue/problem Gambling is a complex public health issue in Italy which has been contrasted by the establishment of a specific Ministerial Fund to implement prevention and treatment actions at regional level (L. 208/2015). Lombardy has implemented these guidelines through a Regional Plan (Dgr 585/2018) declined in Local Operational Plans monitored at regional level. Among the priorities of the Plans, the principle of Health Literacy (HL) assumes a central role in order to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge about gambling and the access to the Territorial Services. What has been achieved on HL allows to orient the programming of the new Regional Plan of Prevention (PRP 2020-25), since it could be transferred to other health promotion policies. Description of the problem The survey of what has been achieved in the field of HL was carried out through an ad hoc research form, administered to the Local Heath Protection Agencies, called ATS. The form evaluated actions and processes deployed during 2020, identifying the tools used for specific population targets. On the basis of the data collected, the objective of the contribution is to identify sustainable and effective HL promotion activities. Results The actions were developed for specific targets (children, adults and the elderly) on different settings (workplaces, schools, local communities) and concerned training and information measures, communication campaigns, cultural, social, aggregative and action research activities, capable of forming a network of social multipliers. Lessons The development of activities and tools on specific settings and targets has allowed to promote the growth of health knowledge in the population (HL), generating new communication channels. Key messages HL’s promotion actions regarding gambling can become sustainable and effective tools to raise awareness on other health issues at national and international level. HL's promotion tools should be considered as useful strategies in health policies at both national and international level.