THE IMPACT OF HEALTH LITERACY ON HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION
Main Article Content
Keywords
Health literacy, Healthcare utilization, Patient education, Access to care, Health disparities, Health communication
Abstract
Health literacy plays a crucial role in determining an individual's ability to access, understand, and effectively utilize healthcare services. This review article explores the multifaceted impact of health literacy on healthcare utilization across various populations and settings. The relationship between health literacy levels and healthcare outcomes, such as hospitalizations, emergency room visits, medication adherence, and preventive care utilization, is examined. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges faced by individuals with limited health literacy in navigating the complex healthcare system and accessing appropriate care. Strategies to improve health literacy and enhance healthcare utilization are also addressed, including patient education interventions, provider training programs, and health communication initiatives. By synthesizing current research findings and highlighting key implications for policy and practice, this review aims to deepen our understanding of the critical link between health literacy and healthcare utilization.
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Alshehri, Abdullah Mohammed F
Oral & Dental Health Specialist, Tabuk Health Complex, Medical Center Dental, Saudi Arabia.
Majed Ali Aljelwah
Pharmacist, Maternity &Children Hospital Alhasa, Saudi Arabia.
Adeeb Aqeel A Aljelwah
Radiology Technologist, Prince Saoud Bin Jalawi, Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed Nuri A Alqarrash
Nursing Specialist, Alomran General Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Essa A
Oyun City Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Abdullah Alharthi
General Dentist, Tabuk Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia
Fatemah Ibrahim H Alali
Nursing, Alomran General Hospital, Saudi Arabia.
Almansif , Ammar Abdullah E
Nursing Technician, Alomran General Hospital, Saudi Arabia.
Hossam Jaafer Aleithan
Radiology Technician, Primary Health Care, Saudi Arabia
Ayat Bader Alabad
Pharmacist, Bin Jalawi Hospital, Saudi Arabia.
Alghareeb, Essa Mustafa E
Laboratory Technician, Oyoun City Hospital, Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah Eissa Al Musharaf
Laboratory Technician, PHC, Saudi Arabia.
Alali, Sokainah Salman A
Primary Care Laboratory, Medical Laboratory Technician, Saudi Arabia.