Canadian Health Literacy

"Health literacy means more than being able to read pamphlets and make appointments. By improving people's access to health information and their capacity to use it effectively, health literacy is critical to empowerment." (Source: World Health Organization Promotion Glossary, 1998)

The International Adult Literacy Survey (1994)

Research on literacy in Canada found that:

  • 22% of Canadians over 16 cannot read at all or have very serious problems with reading.

  • 26% of Canadians over 16 can read simple language.

  • 33% of Canadians over 16 read well enough to get along from day to day.

  • 20% of Canadians over 16 read complex reading material.

(Source: Found and modified from Literacy and Health in Canada: What We Have Learned and What Can Help in the Future? A Research Report,Irving Rootman and Barbara Ronson, 2003. Clear Language Edition 2004). Canadian Public Health Association Conference on Literacy and Health, 2004.

WORLD EDUCATION - HEALTH LITERACY RESOURCES

[ Movement for Canadian Literacy ]

Further Reading: Literacy and Health Research in Canada: Where have we been and where should we go? A Research paper prepared by Irving Rootman and Barbara Ronson for an International Think Tank on Reducing Health Disparities and Promoting Equity for Vulnerable Populations. Sponsored by the Canadian Institute for Health Research Sept. 21-23, 2003 Ottawa. [ Canadian Public Health Association ]