Written By Nina Gonzalez, MD, Co-Founder of Hello Brave
When the four of us co-founders of Hello Brave got together and started brainstorming how to improve medical experiences for kids, we knew that health literacy was key. In our initial discussions, we each shared medical experiences that we’ve had that left us and our kids feeling confused, overwhelmed, and not in control. My sister Reina recalled the trauma her son faced as he listened in on intense and complicated conversations with his doctors in the early days of his lymphoma diagnosis. My other sister Brooke had just recently been through a terrifying experience that started as what she thought would be a routine sick visit to her baby’s pediatrician, and quickly escalated to an ambulance ride and multiple days in the PICU. In both of these instances, my sisters agreed that the scariest part was not knowing what was going on – not understanding what the doctors were saying, and feeling helpless when they were asked to make decisions.
When I trained to become a physician, I learned all about best practices and shared decision making. For example, in an ideal medical experience, patients and caregivers should be given information at the right level of complexity for their literacy levels. They should be empowered to ask clarifying questions and make decisions based on their own best interests. But in reality, this often isn’t the case. In doctor-patient conversations, people become confused by unfamiliar jargon and acronyms, and this is made worse when it’s in the setting of heightened anxiety that often accompanies health issues.
As a preventive medicine physician specializing in public health, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of health literacy. It's more than just understanding medical jargon – it's about empowering patients and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their own health. In this blog post, we'll delve into why health literacy is so crucial for children and their parents, and how it sets the stage for improved outcomes and a lifetime of healthy habits.
Health Literacy: A Vital Tool for Children's Health
Health literacy is often overlooked in discussions about health and well-being, but it plays a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes for children and their families. The American Medical Association (AMA) defines health literacy as "the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." In simpler terms, it's about empowering individuals to navigate the complex world of health information, make informed choices, and take charge of their well-being.
The Importance of Health Literacy for Children and Parents
For children, health literacy is crucial for developing healthy habits early in life. When children understand how their bodies work, the importance of good nutrition, exercise, and hygiene, they are more likely to adopt behaviors that promote long-term health. They also become better equipped to manage chronic conditions and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
Parents with strong health literacy are better prepared to make informed decisions about their children's health care. They can understand medical advice, ask relevant questions, and advocate for their child's needs. This active involvement leads to improved adherence to treatment plans, better disease management, and ultimately, better health outcomes.
Health Literacy Improves Outcomes
Numerous studies have shown the positive impact of health literacy on various health outcomes:
Reduced Hospitalizations: A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children of parents with higher health literacy had lower rates of hospitalization due to preventable conditions like asthma exacerbations and dehydration.
Improved Chronic Disease Management: Research in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that adolescents with higher health literacy were more likely to adhere to their diabetes management plans, leading to better blood sugar control and reduced complications.
Enhanced Preventive Care Utilization: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that individuals with higher health literacy are more likely to receive preventive services like vaccinations and cancer screenings.
How to Enhance Health Literacy
There are several ways to improve health literacy among children and parents:
Start Early: Introduce health concepts to children at a young age through age-appropriate books, games, and activities.
Encourage Questions: Create a safe space for children and parents to ask questions about health information without feeling judged.
Use Plain Language: Ask your healthcare providers to communicate in clear, easy-to-understand language, avoiding medical jargon.
Visual Aids: Utilize pictures, diagrams, and videos to explain complex health information.
Community Resources: Take advantage of health education programs, workshops, and resources offered by schools, libraries, and community organizations.
The Bottom Line
Health literacy is a critical life skill that empowers children and parents to take charge of their health and well-being. By investing in health literacy education, we can equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills to lead healthier, happier lives. At Hello Brave, we are contributing to this effort by building out a library of children’s books on medical topics. We hope these will serve as a way to improve foundational knowledge about diagnoses, procedures, and treatments, not only for kids, but for their parents and loved ones too. Together, with a better understanding and improved health literacy, we hope to achieve our mission of improving medical experiences for kids.
References
Morrison, Andrea K., Alexander Glick, and H. Shonna Yin. "Health literacy: implications for child health." Pediatrics in Review 40.6 (2019): 263-277. link
Berkman, N. D., Sheridan, S. L., Donahue, K. E., Halpern, D. J., & Crotty, K. (2011). Low health literacy and health outcomes: an updated systematic review. Annals of internal medicine, 155(2), 97-107.expand_more
Manganello, J. A. (2008). Health literacy and adolescents: a framework and agenda for future research. Journal of Adolescent Health, 43(6), 515-524.
Paasche-Orlow, M. K., & Wolf, M. S. (2007). The causal pathways linking health literacy to health outcomes. American Journal of Health Behavior, 31(Suppl 1), S19-S26.expand_more
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