Health Literacy Unit

Manipal Health Literacy Unit

Health literacy is the ability of an individual to be completely informed about his health/ disease condition and makes informed and independent decisions for maintenance of the same. He should have access for comprehensive information which is related to his disease condition, able to appraise and apply so that it can help improve his quality of life.

Health literacy in India is in its infancy. Even though there is a considerable increase in access to health information through technology, it has been noticed in public health practice that people fail to make informed decisions pertaining to their health/ disease.

Manipal Health Literacy Unit was started on January 15, 2015 with an overall vision to excel in Health Literacy research, policy and practice. The mission of Manipal Health Literacy Unit was to be one of the preferred unit for health literacy studies in India. The main objectives of the centre are:

To carry out the practice and policy focused, multi-disciplinary research and development activities in health literacy
To collaborate with national and international institutes to generate evidence in the areas of health literacy

Activities:

A study of Health Literacy among students of various Health Sciences Institutions of MAHE
Survey on Health Literacy among School-Aged children studying in vernacular language schools and English medium schools of Seven Districts in India
A scooping review on Health Literacy Interventions in India
Health Literacy books on "Preterm care at home" and "home diabetic care."
A three-credit & value-added course on "Meditation & Conscious Living"
Development of a health literacy database & repository of effective interventions through digital mode.
Indian country office for "Asian Health Literacy Association.
Development of generic toolbox for Health Literacy in collaboration with Health Holland
Health information messages on local radio channels
Student dissertations on health literacy among the local population