Aesoon Park|Tanya L. Eckert|Michelle J. Zaso|Lori A. J. Scott?Sheldon|Peter A. Vanable|Kate B. Carey|Craig K. Ewart|Michael P. Carey
Associations Between Health Literacy and Health Behaviors Among Urban High School Students
Syracuse University|Syracuse University|Syracuse University|Miriam Hospital|Brown University|Syracuse University|Brown University|Providence College|Syracuse University|Miriam Hospital|Brown University
health literacy crucial develop healthrelated knowledge adopt healthy lifestyles benefit health care services however research association health literacy adolescent health outcomes particularly prospective associations rare assessed health literacy using 3 validated measures examined crosssectional prospective associations health literacy adolescent health behaviors outcomeswe conducted shortterm prospective study 250 adolescents mean age 14 years 57 female 48 african american entering ninth grade urban school district health literacy assessed individual interviews baseline healthrelated behaviors outcomes assessed paperandpencil survey baseline 6month followupnearly half sample reading least 2 grades expected levels lower baseline health literacy associated lower selfrating general health unhealthier diet heavier weight greater engagement problem behaviors sexual behaviors baseline lower baseline health literacy also associated greater increase substance use timeresults point pressing need improve health literacy urban high school students