|
 The American Medical Association
describes health literacy as being able to perform basic
reading and numeracy tasks in order to function in a healthcare
environment. Recent studies point to a strong link between
low literacy and poor health in adults and between poor
health and difficulties in participating in educational
programs. For non-native speakers of English, this problem
can be exacerbated by significant cultural and linguistic
obstacles which limit their understanding of the U.S. healthcare
system and prevent them from comprehending even the most
basic health related information.
According to the U.S. Census 2003 estimates, more than 17,000,000 foreign born individuals reside in Florida.
The most recent census also indicates that approximately 17 percent of foreign-born residents lived below the
poverty level, compared with less than 12 percent of natives. Studies conducted by the American Medical
Association show that those at the lowest economic and literacy levels often have very limited access to
health care information and services.
- Lack of access to basic health care due to lack of insurance or lack of information on available low cost services.
Therefore, often conditions that could be treated at relatively low cost with minimal time away from work become costly.
- Lack of understanding of payment options and procedures such as co-pays, sliding scale payments, or working out
a payment plan with a hospital.
- Lack of language skills, specialized medical vocabulary or, especially on the part of those with limited education,
lack of understanding of basic human physiology.
- Lack of understanding of the U.S. healthcare culture, including preventive medicine and good nutrition,
compliance with suggested treatment, and importance of medical history.
- Lack of access to comprehensible health information and material.
Given these sobering facts, it is essential that we help our adult English language learners gain the
English language skills and information necessary to navigate through our complex healthcare system
and understand the key role that good nutrition and preventive medicine play in maintaining one's health.
Sources:
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12000.html
http://healthliteracy.worlded.org/docs/culture/intro_history.html
http://healthliteracy.worlded.org/docs/elpaso/
http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests/healthlit.html
Singleton, Kate. (2002). ERIC Digest. Washington, DC: National Center for ESL Literacy Education. Available
on the internet at:
http://www.cal.org/caela/esl%5Fresources/bibliographies/healthbibres.html
|
