‘Distributed health literacy’

Longitudinal qualitative analysis of the roles of health literacy mediators and social networks of people living with a long‐term health condition

Dados Bibliográficos

ID19507563
AutoresAdrian Edwards (0000-0001-7432-2828, Centre for Innovative Ageing College of Human and Health Sciences Swansea University Swansea UK), Michelle Edwards (Swansea University, autor correspondente), Fiona Wood (0000-0001-5427-6588, Cochrane Institute of Primary Care and Public Health School of Medicine Cardiff University Heath Cardiff UK), Myfanwy Davies (The School of Social Science Bangor University Neuadd Ogwen UK)
Ano2015
Volume18
Fascículo5
Páginas1180-1193
Data de publicação2015-10-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.12093
PMID23773311
OpenAlexW2019768290
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas74
Referências citadas25

BACKGROUND: The role of one's social network in the process of becoming health literate is not well understood. We aim to explain the 'distributed' nature of health literacy and how people living with a long-term condition draw on their social network for support with health literacy-related tasks such as managing their condition, interacting with health professionals and making decisions about their health. DESIGN: This paper reports a longitudinal qualitative interview and observation study of the development and practice of health literacy in people with long-term health conditions, living in South Wales, UK. Participants were recruited from health education groups (n = 14) and community education venues (n = 4). The 44 interview transcripts were analysed using the 'Framework' approach. RESULTS: Health literacy was distributed through family and social networks, and participants often drew on the health literacy skills of others to seek, understand and use health information. Those who passed on their health literacy skills acted as health literacy mediators and supported participants in becoming more health literate about their condition. The distribution of health literacy supported participants to manage their health, become more active in health-care decision-making processes, communicate with health professionals and come to terms with living with a long-term condition. Participants accessed health literacy mediators through personal and community networks. CONCLUSION: Distributed health literacy is a potential resource for managing one's health, communicating with health professionals and making health decisions

Community health · Health care · Health education · Health literacy · Literacy · Pedagogy · Political science · Public health · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · Medicine · Nursing · Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare · Psychology · Social Media in Health Education