Health literacy in childhood and youth: a systematic review of definitions and models
Type
01 - Zeitschriftenartikel, Journalartikel oder Magazin
Zusammenfassung
Background: Children and young people constitute a core target group for health literacy research and practice:
during childhood and youth, fundamental cognitive, physical and emotional development processes take place and
health-related behaviours and skills develop. However, there is limited knowledge and academic consensus regarding
the abilities and knowledge a child or young person should possess for making sound health decisions. The research
presented in this review addresses this gap by providing an overview and synthesis of current understandings of
health literacy in childhood and youth. Furthermore, the authors aim to understand to what extent available models
capture the unique needs and characteristics of children and young people.
Method: Six databases were systematically searched with relevant search terms in English and German. Of the n = 1492
publications identified, N = 1021 entered the abstract screening and N = 340 full-texts were screened for eligibility. A total
of 30 articles, which defined or conceptualized generic health literacy for a target population of 18 years or younger, were
selected for a four-step inductive content analysis.
Results: The systematic review of the literature identified 12 definitions and 21 models that have been specifically
developed for children and young people. In the literature, health literacy in children and young people is described as
comprising variable sets of key dimensions, each appearing as a cluster of related abilities, skills, commitments, and
knowledge that enable a person to approach health information competently and effectively and to derive at healthpromoting
decisions and actions.
Discussion: Identified definitions and models are very heterogeneous, depicting health literacy as multidimensional,
complex construct. Moreover, health literacy is conceptualized as an action competence, with a strong focus on personal
attributes, while also recognising its interrelatedness with social and contextual determinants. Life phase specificities are
mainly considered from a cognitive and developmental perspective, leaving children’s and young people’s specific needs,
vulnerabilities, and social structures poorly incorporated within most models. While a critical number of definitions and
models were identified for youth or secondary school students, similar findings are lacking for children under the age of
ten or within a primary school context.
DOI der Originalausgabe
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4267-yÜbergeordnetes Werk
BMC Public Health
Jahrgang
17
Seiten
1-24