Analysis and Review of the Literatures in the field of Health Literacy

Abstract

Aim: Due to the importance of the individuals' health literacy level in promoting community health, this research evaluates the studies conducted on health literacy in Iran and provides content analysis in this area. Information sources or data: Iran Medical Articles Bank was launched in 2015 according to the needs of the Iranian Medical Research Society. This bank is a search engine for articles published in Iranian medical journals. Selection methods for study: The keywords "health literacy", "health information literacy" and "sanitary literacy" were searched in the title or keywords of the articles. At the time of data collection (February 20, 2017), 72 articles were indexed in this database. The full text of the articles was studied and analyzed in terms of population, place of research, research method, tools and topic. Combine content and results: Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLa) and Health Literacy of Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaires were the most important tools for measuring health literacy. The study population included diabetic patients, the elderly people, various patients, and students. The results indicate that the topics discussed in relation to health literacy were divided to five general thematic areas: "Health literacy assessment tool, measuring the levels of health literacy of patients and people, factors affecting the level of health literacy, patient education and communication". Conclusion: In order to succeed in projects related to health literacy, looking at its different dimensions and planning in those areas will be very useful. The present study can provide a comprehensive view for a long-term planning to provide more practical and useful research.