Caitlin Bakker|Jonathan Koffel|Nicole Theis?Mahon
Measuring the health literacy of the Upper Midwest
University of Minnesota|University of Minnesota|University of Minnesota
health literacythe ability obtain process understand basic health informationis major determinant individuals overall health health care utilization project authors examined predictors health literacy levels including numeracy graphic literacy among adult population upper midwestthe research conducted minnesota state fair three previously validated scales used assess health literacy newest vital sign general health numeracy test questions galesic garciaretameros graph literacy scale demographic informationsuch age educational attainment zip code potential predictors modifierswas collected multivariate linear regression conducted examine independent effects educational attainment race ethnicity gender rural urban location overall health literacy scores individual instrumentsa total 353 upper midwest residents completed survey majority white collegeeducated urban area graduate professional degree age 21 associated increased health literacy scores high school diploma high school education asian american american indianalaska native associated lower health literacy scoresadvanced health literacy skills including ability calculate compare information problematic even welleducated populations understanding numerical graphical information found particularly difficult research needed understand deficits best address