Approaches to the definition and essence of the health literacy concept

Abstract

Introduction. Noncommunicable diseases represent a huge and growing global burden, posing serious challenges to health systems in both high-, low- and middle-income countries. One of the reasons is the low level of health literacy of the population, which does not ensure adequate health-saving behavior. The purpose of the study is to review the publications of non-Russian authors on the health literacy concept analysis. Materials and methods. The analysis of foreign publications was carried out using content analysis, the unit of which was "health literacy". Results. The study showed that the concept of health literacy and its content have been deeply studied in foreign literature. Health literacy includes the ability to read and understand health-related written text, communicate health information effectively, navigate the health care system, and achieve and maintain good health. Some Russian studies also reflect the level of health literacy of the population. For citation: Abubakirov AS, Zudin AB, Tsyganok RS. Approaches to the definition and essence of the health literacy concept. City Healthсare. 2023;4(1): 105-113. doi: 10.47619/2713-2617.zm.2023.v.4i1;105-113