Health Literacy Deficits Found Among Educated, Insured University Employees

Evidence has consistently shown that low/limited health literacy (HL) is associated with negative health consequences and higher costs for individuals and society. To generate internal data for employee training and health/wellness programming, an HL assessment of 120 university employees was conduc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:AAOHN journal 2018-09, Vol.66 (9), p.419-427
Main Authors: Karl, Joyce I., McDaniel, Jodi C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Colleges & universities
Descriptive labeling
Education
Employees
Health
Health education
Health literacy
Nursing
Nutrition
Occupational health
Occupational training
Sociodemographics
Training
Wellness
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Summary:Evidence has consistently shown that low/limited health literacy (HL) is associated with negative health consequences and higher costs for individuals and society. To generate internal data for employee training and health/wellness programming, an HL assessment of 120 university employees was conducted using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS), a valid and reliable clinical screening tool that asks individuals to interpret a nutrition label. Sociodemographic data were collected and time to administer the NVS tool was also measured. Even in this employed, well-educated sample (mean years of formal education was 16.6 years), 17% had scores indicating limited or possibly limited HL. Findings have implications for occupational training and health providers and programs. Even a well-educated workforce benefits from addressing HL challenges or situational issues with universal strategies. This project supports initiatives to assist employees better navigate, understand, and use health information and services to improve their health.
ISSN:2165-0799
2165-0969
DOI:10.1177/2165079918758773