Health-Related Quality of Life and Health Literacy among Mexican American and Black American Youth in a Southern Border State

Keywords

health literacy, quality of life, US-Mexico border, youth

Abstract

Among adults, health literacy and health-related quality of life are highly correlated constructs that are associated with tangible health outcomes. While the connection between these concepts and health outcomes among youth is still unclear, studying these factors among at-risk adolescent populations can provide researchers, policy-creators, and educators a quantifiable summary of the challenge they face in their efforts to reduce health disparities. The purpose of this study was to better understand the health of minority youth living in a Southern state near the US-Mexico border. Specifically, we sought to describe their health literacy and health-related quality of life, and identify how those concepts may be interrelated. Results indicated that our sample of primarily Mexican American and Black American youth living along the US-Mexico border may be struggling more than other known high-risk groups in terms of health literacy and health-related quality of life. Practical implications for families, schools, and border communities are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Hoffman, S., Rueda, H. A., & *Beasley, L. (2020). Health-related quality of life and health literacy among Mexican American and Black American youth in a Southern border state. Social Work in Public Health, 35(3), 114-124.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2020-04-06

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7619

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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