Prior research suggests that persons with low levels of literacy have significantly poorer health than do those with higher levels of literacy. However, significantly less is known about the manner in which access to health care may be limited among persons with low reading skills, and the ways in which utilization patterns may differ by literacy. Our goal is to expand our understanding of the role that literacy plays in obtaining the health care that is necessary to promote good health, safety, and well-being. To address these concerns we present data from an ongoing longitudinal study of adult literacy. This large study involves face-to-face interviews with nearly 1,000 randomly selected adults in Portland, OR who have less than a high school diploma. Literacy levels are assessed through detailed standardized tests. We examine the effect of literacy upon access to care and use of specific health services. These services include: doctor or outpatient visits; overnight hospital stays; prescription medicines; telephone contact with a nurse or doctor; emergency room visits; mental health visits; and visits to alternative health care providers. We anticipate that people with lower levels of literacy use the system differently than those with higher levels of literacy, controlling for the effects of educuation and other critical background factors.
Learning Objectives: These results will allow participants to identify the ways in which literacy influences the ability to access and use the health care system.
Keywords: Literacy, Health Service
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
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