Immigrants Health Literacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Immigrants Health Literacy - Essay Example Low literacy levels among immigrants increases their health risks that may lead to deformities and death. Health literacy is defined as a set of skills and knowledge that one needs to function adequately and effectively in a healthcare environment. some of the aspects included in health literacy include the ability to understand verbal and written language especially the English Language. It also encompasses the ability to interpret either verbal or written health information. Despite the importance of health literacy, there are many people who lack such skills and knowledge and it becomes difficult for healthcare providers to provide effective healthcare services for such a group. One of such groups that lack health literacy is immigrants. This happens mostly because of language and linguistic barriers. This means that most of them cannot understand or communicate in English or any other language other than their mother tongue. This presents healthcare providers with difficulty in handling this group because communication is key in the provision of quality and effective healthcare serv ices to patients, their families and communities. Low literacy levels among immigrants have been a major concern with respect to their ability and capacity to seek healthcare services. This means that it increases the risk for adverse health outcomes. In a research article, it is revealed, â€Å"Clear communication between health care providers and their patients is essential for patients to make good medical decisions, to receive effective instructions on how to take care of their illness, and to achieve desired health outcomes† (Wu et al. 1174). From the quote above, it is clear that communication is an important aspect in helping patients receives care. However, when a patient is illiterate, it is difficult for a healthcare provider to communicate with the patient in the hope of providing