Strengthening Health Literacy of Vulnerable Groups-Introduction of Two New Modules Within the Communal Health Guides Intercultural in Frankfurt am Main Project.

Abstract

Health literacy is limited among most of the German population. Among vulnerable groups, including people with a migration history, it is necessary to provide support. Thus, the public health department of the city of Frankfurt am Main initiated a project called communal health guides intercultural [Kommunale Gesundheitslotsen interkulturell] where health guides are trained to strengthen the health literacy of people with a migration background as well as of people with poor socioeconomic living conditions. Health guides are trained on specific health topics to pass on their knowledge as multipliers in different target groups. We are introducing two new modules complementing the existing health guide project from conceptualization to evaluation. The first module aims to strengthen health literacy among parents of children younger than age 10 years and the second module addresses inhabitants of community accommodations and aims to improve health communication and information, currently focusing on coronavirus disease 2019 and vaccinations. Another aim of the two modules is to find out the specific information needs of the target populations. The newly added modules aim to reduce health inequities for all citizens of Frankfurt am Main. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2022;6(3):e239-e246.] Plain Language Summary: Health literacy is often limited among the German population. Especially for socially disadvantaged groups, the public health department of the city of Frankfurt am Main would like to provide support. A project called Communal Health Guides Intercultural was initiated. Health leaders are trained to strengthen the health literacy of people who are socially disadvantaged. This project consists of two modules. One module is aimed at parents of children younger than age 10 years; the other module is aimed at residents in community accommodation. The project aims to reduce health inequities.