Mayo communities take part in major report into health literacy

A major study conducted in conjunction with Mayo County Council and Dublin City Council has found that around 40 percent of adults in Ireland have limited health literacy. 

DCU’s Sláintecare Healthy Communities Health Literacy Report, which was undertaken between communities in Achill and Erris and Cabra/Finglas in Dublin, has made several recommendations to improve health literacy in Ireland. 

The report found that individuals with lower health literacy levels are less likely to engage in preventive healthcare measures and more likely to require emergency medical interventions. This results in higher healthcare expenditures and poorer health outcomes.

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr John O’Hara, commented: “The Health Literacy research completed showcases a collaborative participatory approach working with communities and stakeholders to co-designed interventions improving the long-term health and wellbeing of our communities in Erris and Achill communities.”

The report was funded by the Department of Health and was launched by Colm Burke, Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy.