The concept of Health Literacy and its importance for nursing

Abstract

Individuals and population's health is influenced by environmental, social economical and cultural aspects which in turn connect individuals to society. In order to decide autonomously, independently and consciously individuals should have several competences. The aim of this study is to identify, analyse and emphasise health literacy concept relevance per se,its relationship with nursing through a narrative revision focused on: Health literacy definition recognition and analysis; evaluation of connection between nursing and health literacy. A narrative review was carried out through PUBMED and CINHAL, using 'health literacy' and nursing related terms, in English or Italian between 2010 and 2015. Results show that 'health literacy' is fully appraised, while attention paid by nurses on the topic is poor due both to a lack of awareness of its relevance on individuals' health and of appraisal. Twenty-height definition emerged from the revision; concepts expressed by scholars are mainly focused on very few individuals' abilities and competences applied to the health context (reading, writing, calculation, comprehension, listening and so on). According to the results it is difficult to define health literacy due to its multidimensional nature. Notwithstanding the above an attempt to develop a unique new definition of health literacy has been carried out although its multidimensional nature and its strong connection to several variables constantly under development. Nevertheless it is imperative that educational modules would be developed and stably integrated in health care education, at the same time a strong effort is due from professional and policy makers to provide population of the necessary tools in order to improve their health.