Adolescent Health Literacy

Abstract

This evidence based practice project was triggered by low national health literacy and the associated high prevalence of chronic disease. The project aimed to improve adolescent health literacy and potentially mitigate negative health outcomes associated with low literacy by implementing health literacy curriculum into an existing 9th grade health education course. The project site was Education Laboratory School, a Hawaiʻi Public Charter School. Health literacy competency is not currently a core requirement at Hawaiʻi Department of Education schools. Adolescent health literacy competency was evaluated post-intervention utilizing two validated screening tools – the Newest Vital Sign and the Health Literacy Assessment Scale for Adolescents. Qualitative feedback in the form of surveys and interviews was also collected from both educators and students post implementation of the new curriculum. Key findings included student demonstration of health literacy, student demonstration of motivation to become health literate, and educator appreciation of expert opinion in content development.