adolescent health literacy
Capacity of adolescents to obtain, process, and understand health information needed to make appropriate health decisions.
Full Definition
The ability of adolescents to access, comprehend, evaluate, and apply health information in ways that promote and maintain good health for themselves and their communities. This concept encompasses traditional literacy skills as well as numeracy, critical thinking, and communication abilities specific to health contexts. Healthcare editors must understand that adolescent health literacy differs from adult health literacy due to developmental factors, limited life experience, and varying cognitive abilities. Materials targeting adolescents require age-appropriate language, visual design, and content complexity.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from general literacy when discussing healthcare communication strategies.
In Context
- "Patient education materials must be designed to accommodate varying levels of adolescent health literacy." — Healthcare communication guidelines
- "Assessment of adolescent health literacy informs the development of age-appropriate interventions." — Clinical research methodology