Abstract
The purpose of this article was to review the health literacy studies reported at the 20th IUHPE World Conference, and to suggest future studies on health literacy in Japan.
The concept of health literacy has been evolving. The main discussion points during the conference were exploring the concept of health literacy (-the cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health), how to increase these skills, and how to evaluate them. Also, the affects of health literacy on health and factors/ barriers to increase health literacy were discussed both in the clinical setting and public health setting.
It is important for Japan 1) to develop culturally adapted framework that helps to understand the comprehensive concept of health literacy and measurement scale, 2) to explore the relationships between health literacy and health, 3) to comprehend the effects of health promotion and education intervention on health literacy, in future.
