There is a close relationship between health and literacy, just as there
is a close relationship between literacy and income, which I imagine
does not surprise any of us.
 
I very much enjoyed your characterization of the relationship between
health and literacy as a "distinction without a difference."  To me this
distinction without a difference underscores the need to incorporate
health literacy-related materials within our adult education and
literacy programs, especially in ESL programs.  The NAAL data really
documents the challenges faced by adults whose first language is not
English.

________________________________

From: healthliteracy-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:healthliteracy-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Andrea Wilder
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 1:29 PM
To: The Health and Literacy Discussion List
Subject: [HealthLiteracy 1201] Re: (no subject)


Hi Mark, 

first, I apologize for not ahvng at my fingertips more information about
the NAAL, but here goes: 

1) is there a relationship between health and literacy? 
2) If so, what is it? 

3) What is the relationship between health literacy and literacy? (A
distinction without a difference?) 

Thanks. 

Andrea 


On Sep 17, 2007, at 12:05 PM, Kutner, Mark wrote: 


	Good morning all.  Cynthia Baur and I are very much looking
forward to answering any questions or issues that you might have related
to the health literacy component and report of the National Assessment
of Adult Literacy (NAAL).  Just as way of introduction, from 1999
through last December I was the project director for the design,
analysis, and reporting component of NAAL.  In that role, I worked with
Cynthia in developing the health literacy component of NAAL.  The health
literacy items also had to be prose, document, and quantitative items so
that they could also be placed on the NAAL scale.  The health literacy
items were field tested before being included on the national study.  As
we discuss the health literacy component, it is important to remember
that the NAAL was administered in the homes of individuals, not in a
doctor's office or emergency room. 
	In case folks are shy, I want to pose a couple of questions to
all of you:  
	1. As an individual who has been involved in adult literacy and
assessment for almost 20 years, I am curious to hear you perspectives
about the difference between measuring literacy and health literacy,
especially when the definition of health literacy (which we used from
HHS) does not indicate any prior substantive knowledge of health-related
issues (such as I take aspirin for headaches).  
	2. Also, NAAL highlights the challenges of improving health
literacy for adults whose first language is not English.  What evidence
do we have about successful approaches to ensure that the health
literacy for these adults improves? 
	As we begin these discussions, I want to clearly acknowledge
that there would never have been a health literacy component of NAAL if
it was not for the hard work, perseverance,  stubbornness of Cynthia
Baur. For me, working with Cynthia on the health literacy component has
been a real joy.  The field is quite fortunate to be able to benefit
from her leadership!. 

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