A rapid evidence review of interventions for improving health literacy

The promotion of health literacy is critical for active and informed participation in health and healthcare, and is identified as a key action to reduce health inequalities. This report presents the outcomes of a rapid review of the evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve health literacy, with a specific focus on communicable diseases and interventions for disadvantaged populations within the European context. The review identifies gaps in the research evidence concerning which interventions are most effective in improving health literacy, particularly with regard to communicable diseases and studies conducted in Europe. It highlights that further research is needed on the impact of health literacy interventions in the public health field, paying particular attention to evaluating communication about communicable diseases, and determining the most effective strategies for meeting the needs of population groups with low literacy levels, and those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged and hard to reach.