HEALTH LITERACY: A CALL FOR ACTION FOR A JUST AND EGALITARIAN SOCIETY

Abstract

Health Literacy Survey -2019 (HLS19) undertook a two-year extensive comparative survey in 17 European countries whose results demonstrated that while health literacy levels have risen, there is vast room for improvement. 36% of the Bulgarian population has poor or unsatisfactory level of health literacy (very difficult/ difficult range answers). This means that more than a 1/3 of Bulgarian citizens are facing hurdles when presented with health or healthcare related issues to deal with which inexorably affects their quality of life and potential. To society this means that there is a measurable inequality between those with high and low health literacy that is evidenced by social gradient. Thus, low health literacy has direct effect on perpetuating health inequalities which in turn affects social justice and attainment of human development and flourishing. HL is closely associated with social determinants of health and poor health/ outcomes due to low literacy is as an injustice that needs to be addressed systematically from broad policy perspective. It is an injustice as studies demonstrate that HL is a modifiable factor that has a direct positive effect on improving well-being, reducing absenteeism, and triggering economic and social progress. The purpose of the project is to analyze available literature, draft and test questionnaires, analyze results in order to gain better understanding of the health literacy needs of Bulgarian population and to better inform public health policies and implement targeted evidence based interventions. Improved health literacy will lead to more effective and efficient healthcare utilization contributing to better patient outcome and optimal use of health and medical resources. In fact, the WHO Shanghai Declaration (2016) declared health literacy a critical determinant of health and established the direct link between adequate health literacy and achievement of Sustainable development goals.