lecture 7 Flashcards
What is literacy?
The ability to understand and use written/oral communication to function in society and achieve goals.
What is health literacy?
The ability to access, understand, evaluate, and communicate health information.
What is numeracy?
The ability to understand and use numbers and mathematical concepts.
What percentage of Canadians (16–65) fall below Level 3 literacy?
42%
What literacy level is considered ‘adequate for daily life’?
Level 3 (276–325)
Name one major consequence of low health literacy.
Poorer health outcomes, more ER visits, less use of preventive care.
What does the REALM tool assess?
Ability to read and pronounce medical terms.
How is the REALM scored?
0–66; under 18 = 3rd grade or below.
What is the TOFHLA test used for?
Measures functional health literacy using real health materials.
What is a key strength of the TOFHLA?
Assesses both numeracy and reading comprehension.
How is the METER test conducted?
Self-administered checklist of medical terms a person recognizes.
What score on METER indicates functional health literacy?
35–40
What is eHEALS?
A self-report tool measuring eHealth literacy via 10 questions.
What is one way to improve health communication?
Use plain language, visuals, bullet points, emphasize key info first.
Why is it better to say ‘Wear your helmet’ than ‘Don’t ride without a helmet’?
Positive framing is easier to understand and accept.
What is the ‘focus on how, not what’ strategy?
Teach people how to act, not just what to do (e.g., how to read a nutrition label).
What are the 6 stages in the communication model?
- Reach senses, 2. Get attention, 3. Message understood, 4. Message accepted, 5. Behavior change, 6. Health improves
What tools can assess if a health message is readable?
SMOG test and FRY readability scale.
How is the SMOG test performed?
Count words with 3+ syllables in 10 sentences to estimate reading level.
What does ‘Reach senses’ mean in health communication?
Use media, color, sound, etc. to make first contact with the audience.
What are examples of attention-getting strategies in communication?
Humor, emotional appeal, celebrity endorsements, framing.
Why is ‘message understood’ a critical step?
Audience must decode and interpret language and visuals correctly.
What affects whether a message is accepted?
Design, source credibility, and cultural relevance.
What is one modern trend in health communication?
Use of mHealth tools like MobileMums or addressing fake news.
