Health Literacy in the Hispanic Community The United States Bureau of Census determined that more than half of the minority population is classified as functionally or marginally illiterate (Kutner et al, 2016). A major aspect of this problem is that recent immigrants know little or no English when they arrive to the United States (Kutner et al, 2006). The level of the English language that is known is limited to what is required to function in the workplace and community (Kutner et al, 2006). Healthy People 2010 have set goals to eliminate health disparities where evidence has shown that Latino communities experience the worst of these disparities where these issues are compounded by language, culture and their status as undocumented
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Educating the Hispanic community assumes that the skills and knowledge are readily available and simple to understand (Wilson et al, 2005). The reality is that most medical educational brochures are written for English speaking patients and translated into Spanish and is often not culturally or linguistically appropriate to Hispanic organizations as well as the families and individuals that live within the community (Wilson et al, 2005). This inappropriately tailored brochure negatively affects a woman's health knowledge, preventive behavior, ability to navigate the health care system, and ability to care for their children. Interventions to increase a woman's heath literacy include written education materials with proper reading level and design, clear communication, and education to increase health knowledge (Wilson et al, …show more content…
Specific strategies to tailor messages for Hispanic women in need of prenatal care as well as the timeline for specific prenatal care services (Wilson et al, 2005). Effectively communicating health promotion services to the entire family structure within the Hispanic community is often the best option as Hispanics are more family oriented than any other community. Promotion of Women and Children benefits for permanent residents as well as assistance with gaining insurance coverage, providing locations for medical services and follow-up are integral parts of a successful marketing plan (Wilson et al, 2005). Determining the level of acculturation within the community will give the health promoter a better idea of how to proceed with a tailored marketing plan and
Educating the Hispanic community assumes that the skills and knowledge are readily available and simple to understand (Wilson et al, 2005). The reality is that most medical educational brochures are written for English speaking patients and translated into Spanish and is often not culturally or linguistically appropriate to Hispanic organizations as well as the families and individuals that live within the community (Wilson et al, 2005). This inappropriately tailored brochure negatively affects a woman's health knowledge, preventive behavior, ability to navigate the health care system, and ability to care for their children. Interventions to increase a woman's heath literacy include written education materials with proper reading level and design, clear communication, and education to increase health knowledge (Wilson et al, …show more content…
Specific strategies to tailor messages for Hispanic women in need of prenatal care as well as the timeline for specific prenatal care services (Wilson et al, 2005). Effectively communicating health promotion services to the entire family structure within the Hispanic community is often the best option as Hispanics are more family oriented than any other community. Promotion of Women and Children benefits for permanent residents as well as assistance with gaining insurance coverage, providing locations for medical services and follow-up are integral parts of a successful marketing plan (Wilson et al, 2005). Determining the level of acculturation within the community will give the health promoter a better idea of how to proceed with a tailored marketing plan and