Health Literacy in High-Risk Youth: A Descriptive Study of Children in Residential Care

Keywords

health literacy, out-of-home care, physical health, residential care

Abstract

Although previous studies have demonstrated that children in out-of-home care present with elevated levels of mental and physical health, educational, and behavioral problems, little is known about youth's ability to manage health care needs or access health information and support. This study evaluates the health literacy skills of 229 youth served in a residential setting. Results revealed that the majority of youth demonstrated some level of risk, and anywhere from one-quarter to one-third demonstrated significant health literacy deficits suggesting a need for additional research and treatment intervention. Implications, study limitations, and recommendations for practice and future research are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Trout, A. L., Hoffman, S., Epstein, M. H., Nelson, T. D. Thompson, R. W. (2014). Health literacy in high risk youth: A descriptive study of children in residential care. Child & Youth Services, 35, 35-45. doi:10.1080/0145935X.2014.893744

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014-04-21

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5758

Publisher

Child & Youth Services

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Social Work

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

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