Understanding Health Literacy: Implications for Medicine and Public Health

Surveys have shown that levels of literacy generally and of health literacy in particular affect patients' understanding of health issues and participation in health care decision making. As a result of studying health literacy levels, this resource aims to help physicians and others improve the quality of care for patients who are now at a disadvantage in communications regarding medications, tests and procedures, and informed consent. This book is a valuable resource in medicine, public health, sociology, and medical sociology.