18. Health Literacy Linked to Death Rates, ED Visits, Hospitalizations

Director's Update

Text version of slide presentation from a National Advisory Council meeting.

Text Description is below the image.

  • Health literacy is the ability to understand and use basic health information.
  • More than 75 million English-speaking Americans have limited health literacy.
  • Limited health literacy tied to:
    • Lower rates of flu shots and mammograms.
    • Higher rates of taking medicines incorrectly.
    • Poorer health and higher risk of death in older adults.

Berkman ND, Sheridan SL, Donahue KE, et al. Health Literacy Interventions and Outcomes: A Systematic Review. AHRQ Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 199. AHRQ Publication No. 11-E006; March 2011.

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Current as of August 2011
Internet Citation: 18. Health Literacy Linked to Death Rates, ED Visits, Hospitalizations: Director's Update. August 2011. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/nac/2011-04-nac/clancy/slide18.html