Building healthier communities: the role of health educational programs in enhancing health literacy in Prairie View, Texas.

Abstract

Introduction: Increasing health literacy, the ability to understand and process health information, within underserved communities can improve health outcomes. We hypothesized that educational programs tailored by age group would effectively improve an individual's health literacy in underserved communities. Our study examined the implication of a health-related education program among different age groups in Prairie View, Texas.

Objectives: The study aimed to (i) improve health literacy within the Prairie View, Texas community; (ii) encourage healthy lifestyles in study participants; and (iii) provide an educational experience for medical and pre-medical students.

Methods: Monthly educational modules were presented for 5 months to three groups (high school students, college students, and older adults). The improvement in health literacy after the study was evaluated based on the average of correct responses on the pre- and post-monthly assessments. We also assessed the change in pre-med and medical students' willingness to work within underserved communities.

Results: The average percentage of correct answers increased. By the end of the study, high school students answered 96% of the questions correctly, college students answered 95% correctly, and older adult participants answered 90% correctly. Medical student and pre-med student willingness to practice medicine in underserved communities increased.

Conclusion: Programs to increase health literacy within underserved communities can lead to improved medical knowledge competency, positive health outcomes, and informed decision making. Students exposed to the research were more willing to practice medicine in underserved communities.