Title : Evaluating health literacy and community health workers: An interdisciplinary approach
Abstract:
Health literacy is a multifaceted concept that describes the ability to access, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions about one’s health . Low health literacy is associated with adverse health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, medication errors, and health disparities. Recognizing the importance of health literacy, this project focuses on the role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in addressing and improving health literacy in their scope of practice and within communities. The presentation will provide details of a study that explores the pivotal role of community health workers (CHWs) in improving health literacy outcomes within communities. Personal health literacy is a critical determinant of individual and community well-being and CHWs bridge the gaps between healthcare providers and the people they serve, playing a key role in promoting health literacy and addressing health disparities. This study synthesizes existing literature, examines interventions and research, evaluates a targeted intervention designed for CHW trainees. The intervention focuses on enhancing knowledge in health literacy, building skills for effective patient communication, and identifies challenges and opportunities for CHWs to enhance health literacy and improve health outcomes in their communities. Additionally, pre- and post- intervention assessments measure trainees’ confidence in their own health literacy levels. Findings from this study can inform how CHWs, when adequately trained, can serve as effective advocates for health literacy, reducing disparities and improving health outcomes. The presentation will also discuss implications for future interventions and training programs, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and policy support to strengthen the role of CHWs in public health.
