Lynne Emmerton|Liz Mampallil|Therése Kairuz|Leigh McKauge|Robert A. Baruch Bush
Exploring health literacy competencies in community pharmacy
Marymount University|American Pharmacists Association|Marymount University|University of Queensland|University of Queensland|Queensland Health
abstract background health literacy ability obtain interpret use health information low rates health literacy australia suggested validated measure exists objective explore health literacy competencies sample community pharmacy consumers design structured interviews undertaken team researchers august 2009 instrument derived available literature measuring aspects functional interactive critical health literacy regarding use medicines setting participants twelve community pharmacies brisbane region australia results six hundred fortyseven consumers participated 64 women wide distribution ages evident english first language 89 respondents half sample 55 predominantly aged 2645 years tertiary educated 87 respondents recognized sample prescription 20 could readily match prescription labelled medicine box eightytwo percentage respondents interpreted three times day appropriately interpretation standard ancillary label highly variable advanced age less formal education nonenglishspeaking background male gender independently related lower performance variables discussion health literacy measure applied comprehension numeracy skills required adults receiving prescription medications majority consumers adequately performed tasks behaviours responses sufficient concern propose additional verbal written information interventions pharmacy staff conclusions research provides insight issues may affect consumers appropriate use medicines selfefficacy initiatives improve public health literacy warranted