Assessing health literacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples presenting to general practice.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Health literacy is a social determinant of health, with lower levels linked to suboptimal health outcomes. There is a gap in the literature regarding the value of health literacy assessment among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and best methods with which to perform such assessments in general practice. OBJECTIVE: Literature was reviewed to determine what is known regarding health literacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the availability of assessment tools and the implications for general practice. DISCUSSION: Despite its effect on health outcomes, the health literacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is poorly understood, with no validated assessment tools specifically tailored to this population. Culturally insensitive screening of health literacy has potentiality to disaffect; thus, practitioners should consider assessments aligned with Indigenous methodologies such as conversational or yarning approaches or the use of a small number of screening questions. Practitioners are encouraged to adopt a universal precautions approach and use culturally appropriate conversational styles to optimise communication and healthcare outcomes.