I have been a doctor and surgeon for many years, teaching at universities and participating in lectures and conferences all over the world. There is no doubt that Portugal has developed in multiple sectors and our population is already aware of many health problems.
Health literacy is a specific field related to citizens’ knowledge to “access, understand, evaluate, and use available health information.” This knowledge allows us, as citizens, to take advantage of available resources, whether public, private or in the social sector.
A lower level of literacy can translate into fewer preventive and curative measures, and thus a lower quality of life.
Now, over 10 years ago, the European Health Literacy Survey (HLS-EU – European Health Literacy Survey) 2011, conducted in eight European countries, was important as a starting point for assessing this very important topic. Portugal entered 2015 with a large sample and results were consistently lower in Portugal compared to the European average and much lower than in the Netherlands and Germany.
It was also found that the greatest difference with European countries is found in the health care index, which shows lower than average levels in the disease prevention chapter.
Access to health information
Regarding access to health information, the analysis showed that the information obtained by citizens is mainly obtained through health professionals. This is followed by television, the media in general, and more recently social networks.
Therefore, we face an unfavorable situation, which is the responsibility of all of us to improve. The higher the level of education, the greater the knowledge about the subject. Health literacy and improvement should include all health workers and citizens, but it is up to politicians to take concrete action.
This issue affects the entire community, as the insufficient literacy rate is approximately 47%. A key recommendation from many international analysts points to simplifying access to information and services as key. All of this has become even more important during the recent pandemic.
“The best health is not to feel healthy.” – Jules Renard.
Antonio Lucio Baptista
Surgeon – Cardiovascular Consultant
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