The Causal Pathways Linking Health Literacy to Health Outcomes

Overview

Journal Am J Health Behav

Date 2007 Oct 20

PMID 17931132

Citations 454

Authors

Michael K Paasche-Orlow

Michael S Wolf

Affiliations

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Abstract

Objective: To provide an evidence-based review of plausible causal pathways that could best explain well-established associations between limited health literacy and health outcomes.

Methods: Through analysis of current findings in medical and public health literature on health literacy we derived a conceptual causal model.

Results: Health literacy should be viewed as both a patient and a system phenomenon. Three distinct points along a continuum of health care are suggested to be influenced by health literacy: (1) access and utilization of health care, (2) patient-provider relationship, and (3) self-care.

Conclusions: The conceptual model organizes what has been learned to date and underscores promising areas of future inquiry and intervention.

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