Low Health Literacy in Hawaii

The role of societal influences and its effects on the mortality patterns in Hawaii includes genetic and environmental components. These two components can be assessed and manipulated by the individual; particularly, the environmental factor. An example of how genetic factors can be controlled by the individual is through acquiring the proper knowledge of healthy options and its importance for a long and healthy lifestyle. The environmental factors, such as social engagement can be manipulated by individuals with proper knowledge. This paper will provide information about low health literacy and outcomes in Hawaii, including statistical analysis and mortality patterns. Furthermore, this study will suggest a solution to this problem, especially in low socio-economic communities.

Statistical Analysis

Data collected from Hawaii revealed that Native Hawaiian, Samoan, and Chamorro groups have higher mortality rates for most causes of death, such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke (Jackson 194; Friis and Sellers 188). Also, “diabetes, higher smoking rates, and obesity” were also found due to negative health behavior (Jackson 194). Furthermore, studies discovered a higher rate of “antisocial behavior, assaults, suicides, depression, anxiety, conducts disorder and substance abuse problems” (Jackson 194; Wasik 108). All of these negative revelations were associated with low education and literacy amongst these individuals.

Low Health Literacy Problem in Hawaii

Understanding the core of the low health literacy problem amongst residents in Hawaii is vital. The absence of immediate health assistance is related to the level of poverty in Hawaii. According to Bohlman, Panzer, Kindig and the National Library of Medicine, health illiteracy is best defined as the level of acquisition, processing, and interpreting simple health information, including the appropriate tools to prepare individuals to make educated health choices (Bohlman, Panzer and Kindig 32). The degree to which people can acquire, interpret, and retain basic health information is connected to their level of education. Additionally, the media and agencies in the community are a source utilized by people to acquire basic health information; therefore, low health literacy is an issue of the community and the society, as it relates to individual and cultural factors, such as the education system.

Often times, people of low socio-economic status believe that their level of education should not be associated with their health problems. For instance, individuals consider that their ability to read and comprehend should not be questioned when seeking medical assistance due to an abdominal or chest pain. Health care practitioners strongly believe that the patient’s level of education is imperative to decrease the low health literacy problem (Mayer and Villaire 52). In doing so, the medical staff will be able to inform the patient about their physical condition according to the individual’s level of understanding, processing, and retaining. Patients are able to express and communicate according to their level of education; thus, an individual’s degree of communication and literacy are interrelated (Marks 59-60; McDermott, Tseng and Maretzki 179). The inability to communicate effectively is more likely to lead a patient to frustration and resignation. Consequently, these individuals live while bearing their physical pain, which oftentimes, results in death and a higher mortality rate.

Solution to Low Health Literacy Problem in Hawaii

To initiate a solution to the low health literacy problem prevalent in Hawaii, analyzing health issues in Hawaii, such as diabetes, obesity, and depression is crucial. The ideology supporting a solution to the health literacy problem in Hawaii is based on the theory that if the health of the people improves, then the probability of sickness and disease will decline (Howes 143). As a result, the hardship the health care system is currently experiencing will decline. While the level of education and literacy remains stagnant, the people’s health status decreases; thus, increasing the number of people in need of health care and attention. Consequently, expensive technological advancements and equipment are needed to cure the large population of sick individuals (Tan xxvii). Ultimately, the state is presented with a decision to reduce the expenses of health care in conjunction with the number of sick individuals (Howes, 144). This solution will not benefit all of the people in need of health care and attention. It might not even meet the needs of the majority.

A change in individual self-perception might be the basis for a cultural change and the reduction of the health problem in Hawaii. Significantly, to effectively address and resolve this problem, individuals should recognize the importance of increasing their literacy while reducing the unawareness to exercise and a healthy diet (Howes 143; Hill 55). Since the cost of a healthy lifestyle is expensive, this analysis suggests that the government should implement a system that provides people of low socioeconomic status with the resources necessary to acquire healthy foods (Kline and Huff 539). While this might be at a high cost to the government, it will more likely be at a lower cost than the expenses of health care, attention, and treatment. As a community, it might be beneficial to utilize resources produced by taxpayers to promote a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, increasing literacy levels amongst Hawaiians will more likely disintegrate the vicious cycle of low literacy, which leads to poor health choices, which is more likely to result in diabetes and obesity (Rippe 701). Additionally, the necessity of medical attention and the inability to receive immediate and proper medical care due to lack of financial resources is more likely to lead to depression. As a community and a collaborative effort to implement the solutions this paper suggests, commencing with the core understanding of the importance of education, the low health literacy problem in Hawaii will more likely decrease.

Works Cited

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