Health Literacy among Youth in Guatemala City

Steven Hoffman

Keywords

Public health, social work, health literacy, global health, adolescent health

Abstract

Health literacy (HL) is recognized as an important health construct that is correlated with various health-related outcomes, but outside of the United States there is limited HL research available, particularly among youth. This study looked at the HL and harmful health behavior (i.e., substance use) of 210 youth across 10 schools in Guatemala City. Based on results from the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) HL assessment, fewer than one third of youth sampled had adequate HL. Training/education to improve adolescent HL is needed in Guatemala City, and the unique skillset of social workers could be an idea method of reaching at-risk youth.

Original Publication Citation

Hoffman, S., Marsiglia, F. F., Nevarez, L. & Porta, M. (2017). Health literacy among youth in Guatemala City. Social Work in Public Health, 32(1), 30-37.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2016-07-08

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5764

Publisher

Social Work in Public Health

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Social Work

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

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