Health Literacy in Rural Illinois
Heath literacy is a growing problem in American society. The focus of this research is to examine health literacy rates of minorities and the elderly in rural areas as compared to national levels. Current literature demonstrates that poor health literacy has a negative affect on patient care and health outcome for the general population. This research serves to focus on the significant lack of health literacy among minorities and elderly people in rural communities. In the study conducted we assessed the health literacy in several rural areas in Illinois by administering the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. As the TOFHLA test serves to address the functional and numeracy comprehension skills of the respondents, it assesses their ability to understand basic medical assessment and treatment communication. In this study we hope to conclude that rural minority and elderly populations have lower health literacy rates than their counterparts on a national level.
School:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department:
Community Health
Research Advisor:
Susan Farner
Department of Research Advisor:
Community Health
Year of Publication:
2006