Considerations of Low Health Literacy during the COVID-19Pandemic

Abstract

The Coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic has had devastating effects throughout the United States and the world. Recent numbers indicate that approximately 250,000 people in the United States have died from COVID-19, while over 150,000 new cases are announced each day. The numbers of people affected, and the latest Covid research findings have been reported several times a day. Despite the reports, directions, mandates, and recommendations of public health officials, the number of people with COVID-19 continues to climb. Medical information has been reported by the media, medical officials, press briefings, social media, and through social interactions, but that information has often been confusing, conflicting, misleading, and fear inducing for many. Individuals with low health literacy may be impacted by COVID–19 more heavily and more frequently than individuals with proficient health literacy levels due to their inability to understand and carry out health safety recommendations.