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Consumer Health Resources

This guide provides a list of suggested consumer health websites in support of health literacy.

Health Literacy

Health Literacy in America Health literacy is the ability to find, understand and use health information and services. Confusion about health information transcends race, gender, age, income and geography. As trusted institutions, libraries can help increase health literacy in their communities. By the numbers 9 out of 10 adults struggle to understand and use personal and public health information. Older adults (age 60+) demonstrate the lowest health literacy of any age group. 71% have difficulty using health information materials. 80% struggle to read forms or charts. 68% have trouble interpreting numbers and doing calculations. Annual cost of low health literacy: $238 billion Improving health literacy may prevent nearly 1 million hospital visits or save more than $25 billion a year. E-health literacy E-health literacy is the ability to evaluate health information from electronic sources and use the knowledge gained to address or solve a health problem. 96% of American adults use the internet 72% of adult internet users search for health information online Health information topics people search for online: Medical conditions and symptoms Prescription drugs Mental health Nutrition and diet Skin health Telemedicine Treatment options Preventative care Support communities Medical research and studies Fitness and exercise Pregnancy and childbirth Healthcare providers 10 ways libraries can help Provide internet access and lend Wi-Fi hotspots. Publish a consumer health information pathfinder on your library website. Link to reputable websites, organizations and library resources. Show people how to find reliable information using library databases, such as Consumer Health Ultimate. Distribute preventative healthcare information and promote free services, such as flu shot clinics or skin cancer screenings. Print resources for people to take home. Refer people to local health services. Include health information resources in the library e-newsletter. Create book displays on health and wellness topics. Establish partnerships with local healthcare providers and organizations. Deliver health literacy programs for children, teens, adults and seniors. Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 202024, June 21). eHealth literacy. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/researchevaluate/eHealth.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, May 212024, October 16). Talking points about health literacy. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/shareinteract/TellOthers.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, May 32024, October 16). Importance of health literacy. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/developmaterials/audiences/olderadults/importance.html https://www.cdc.gov/health-literacy/php/older-adults/importance-health-literacy.html Fitzpatrick, L. (2016). “Are you confused about health information? You're not alone.” TEDxMidAtlantic. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x6DLqtaK2g Fox, S. (2014, January 15). The social life of health information. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2014/01/15/the-social-life-of-health-information/ Lopez, C., Kim, B. & Sacks, K. (2022). Health literacy in the United States: Enhancing assessments and reducing disparities. Milken Institute. Retrieved from https://milkeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/2022-05/Health_Literacy_United_States_Final_Report.pdf National Library of Medicine. (2023, August 7). An introduction to health literacy. Network of the National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.nnlm.gov/guides/intro-health-literacy Pew Research Center. (2021, April 72024, November 13). Internet/broadband fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/ Shahid, R., Shoker, M., Chu, L.M. et al. (2022, September 12). Impact of low health literacy on patients' health outcomes: A multicenter cohort study. BMC Health Services Research 22: 1148. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08527-9. United Health Group. (2020, October 26). Health literacy key to better health outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/research-reports/posts/health-literacy-research-462863.html

This guide is based on the work of ATSU Library's guide, "Consumer Health Resources & Patient Resources." Please see original guide at: https://guides.atsu.edu/consumerhealth