Modelling health literacy on conceptualizations of scientific literacy.

Abstract

This paper recognizes the need to promote health literacy as the goal of health education for all, at all educational levels. It particularly explores the meaning of health literacy, based on the literature and seeks to put forward a new meaning, applicable for the general public with further considerations for healthcare professionals. The vision and scope of health literacy is promoted as the goal for health education, reflecting on a comparison with scientific literacy (SL) and science education. A model is proposed interrelating health education, health literacy, science education and science literacy and discusses areas where health literacy is seen as having attributes beyond SL. A revised definition of health literacy is proposed.