Disparities in health literacy

Have you had a healthcare experience that left you feeling confused and wishing you had more time with a doctor? You are not alone. Health literacy is low among all Americans, but especially among those with disabilities. Those with limited English skills also have lower health literacy. This information comes from two recent studies at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo.

Two factors contribute to health literacy. Patients may have difficulty understanding health care information, while doctors may have difficulty explaining medical information in layman's terms for their clients to better understand. This is especially true when there is a language barrier between the doctor and the patient.

The studies found that both those with disabilities and those with limited English speaking and comprehension skills often felt that their health providers did not listen, did not explain treatments and options of treatment, did not involve them in decision making about treatment, and also did not treat them with respect or spend enough time speaking with them.

These perceptions indicate that those who frequently see doctors with disabilities and those who have trouble communicating with their doctors, are missing an important aspect of the provider-patient relationship. Doctors' visits are in part an attempt to understand what is happening in a patient's health, and treat that in the best possible way. Part of this interaction involves the patient's understanding as well.

Those with limited English skills also had limited access to healthcare due to the small number of doctors and practices who are able or willing to provide multi-lingual accommodations for non or limited English speaking patients. This is especially true in rural areas, which already have limited access to good, and specialized, healthcare.

If you are interested in learning more and this research, the findings of these studies were published together in the Disability and Health Journal and will also be published in the Journal of Healthcare Disparities Research and Practice.




For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center












Resource pages

Schizophrenia, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits
How to get Disability Approved
Social security disability appeal
How much does social security disability pay?
Social security disability SSI requirements
How to file for social security disability
Social security definition of disability
Social security disability claim determination