Higher health literacy rates in the US Military

Authors

William R. Mathias, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

US Navy Physician Assistant - Family Medicine

Advisor

Thomas Colletti

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the literature on health literacy in the military and review studies and reports which show possible higher rates of health literacy in the U.S. military. Articles on non-military health literacy were also examined. Results found in this article are from a review of the current health literacy literature of both military and non-military groups. Resources found were not compared in this article. Primary medical education and training are required in military service and start in basic training. The Navy, Airforce, Army, and Marines need their members to be basic first aid and CPR trained. In the military, health literacy is found to be higher than in a similar non-military population¹. Low health literacy rates in the U.S. are being addressed at many levels and are a continual problem that, based on current research, will require time and education to improve. Health literacy is an essential part of overall literacy used in multiple areas of medicine and health. Health literacy also plays a significant role in communication between health educators, medical professionals, and the communities they serve.

Recommended Citation

Mathias WR. Higher health literacy rates in the US Military. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 4(1).