Health Literacy Abilities |
The complex medical information and treatment decisions can be challenging and require higher level of health literacy abilities, such as -
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Decision Making Judgments Impact
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Only thirteen percent of adults have Proficient health literacy, according to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy. In other words, nearly nine out of ten adults may lack the skills needed to manage their health and prevent disease. Fourteen percent of adults (30 million people) have Below Basic health literacy. Significant factors/behavior patterns impact decision making judgments may include - 1. Medical knowledge and health information deficit 2. Blinded trust (or under intimidation influence) of the medical authority; not seeking or unable to obtain additional evaluation/opinions 3. Misled by statistical numbers 4. Communication and analytical deficit – not asking the right questions and unable to analyze/ evaluate the complex information/results 5. Vulnerability and fear 6. Passive and reactive 7. Religious or cultural believes/rituals 8. Financial situation 9. Mental state and physical conditions at the decision time 10. Don’t know how to reach out for help or where to find available resources |