Objective: To provide an evidence-based review of plausible causal pathways that could best explain well-established associations between limited health literacy and health outcomes. Methods: Through analysis of current findings in medical and public health literature on health literacy we derived a conceptual causal model. Results: Health literacy should be viewed as both a patient and a system phenomenon. Three distinct points along a continuum of health care are suggested to be influenced by health literacy: (1) access and utilization of health care, (2) patient-provider relationship, and (3) self-care. Conclusions: The conceptual model organizes what has been learned to date and underscores promising areas of future inquiry and intervention.
CITATION STYLE
Paasche-Orlow, M. K., & Wolf, M. S. (2007). The causal pathways linking health literacy to health outcomes. American Journal of Health Behavior, 31(SUPPL. 1). https://doi.org/10.5993/ajhb.31.s1.4
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