Health literacy remains a very big problem in the United States. Some documented facts:
- 46 million American adults are functionally illiterate.
- 40 million Americans read at or below 4th grade reading level.
- Nearly half of all American adults –90 million people– have difficulty understanding and using health information.
- The average American comprehends between a 4th – 7th grade level.
- 26% of Americans can’t understand when their next doc appt is scheduled.
- 42% of Americans do not comprehend instructions to “take medication on an empty stomach.”
- 49% of Americans cannot determine if they are eligible for free care by reading hospital financial aid forms.
- 60% of Americans cannot understand a standard consent form.
From: Leigh Fazzina
I have been in healthcare marketing for over 10 years working on some great brands like Cialis, Prozac, Sarafem and Prozac Weekly. I am a passionate healthcare marketers because I believe that patients today are consumers of healthcare and they are using the Internet in increasing numbers to make their healthcare choices. I am also a freelance writer for healthcare trade magazine and author a monthly column in PM360 Magazine on DTC Marketing. I live in Souther California, have an MBA in Marketing and love the challenge of marketing to empowered patients.
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