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Health Literacy
The Centre will develop a series of themes related to the determinants of health that from a single or combined perspective will provide a focus for initiatives.
Health Literacy, as one of the determinants of health, has been identified by the CHCP as a thematic area of focus. The definition of health literacy as adopted by Canadian Public Health Association Expert Panel on Health Literacy is:
"The ability to access, understand, evaluate and communicate information as a way to
promote, maintain and improve health in a variety of settings across the life-course.
In this definition, access is more than the availability of information and services. It is mediated
by education, culture and language, by the communication skills of professionals, by the nature
of materials and messages, and by the settings in which health-related supports are provided.
This definition suggests that health literacy is a resource for daily living in the settings where
people live, learn, work, worship and play. It recognizes that health status and learning are
closely linked at all ages and stages of life. Effective health literacy begins in early childhood
and continually builds on knowledge and experience gained throughout the life span.
The definition also speaks to the idea that health literacy is essential to taking control of and
managing one's health. It means more than being able to read pamphlets and successfully
make appointments. By improving people's access to health information and their capacity to
use it effectively, health literacy is critical to empowerment (WHO, 1998)."
The Calgary Charter on Health Literacy: Definition and Core Principles for the Development of Health Literacy Curricula:
"The Centre for Literacy of Quebec co-hosted the Calgary Institute on Health Literacy Curricula in October 2008. The institute drew participants and presenters from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. After three days of discussion, participants concluded that there was a need to identify core principles to underpin new and adapt existing health literacy curricula. One year later, this document formally establishes those principles and urges all individuals building or evaluating health literacy curricula to incorporate the principles into their work"
Calgary Charter on Health Literacy
In this section, you will find:
