Contemporary understanding of health literacy across the Island of Ireland

Abstract This presentation will detail two reviews that provided contextual understanding for this project. The first, an umbrella review which explored i) How is health literacy currently defined and operationalised nationally and internationally? And ii) What are the key components and principles of health literacy? The search was limited, most notably, to systematic reviews published after 2012. A total of 12 studies were included for data extraction and narrative analysis. Findings provided an update of the conceptual understanding of health literacy, emphasising the complex and multidimensional nature of the concept. Dimensions are common, but growing, and moving beyond just individual capabilities. The second, moving beyond the definition, details a systematic review that aimed to gain a contemporary understanding of health literacy through identifying and appraising existing research conducted in an Irish context. Seven electronic databases were searched between October and December 2023. Initial search identified 551 records, following screening, 37 studies were included in this review. Narrative analysis indicated that across the Island of Ireland in the last decade, many studies had narrow populations of focus (i.e. Dublin based, adults, chronic illness populations), limited research design and methodologies (cross-sectional, narrative, and primary research with short time frames), and lacked rigorous monitoring and evaluation of health literacy as a primary or secondary outcome. While studies highlighted clinical, education and community implications, a limited focus on mental health was also observed. Findings from this systematic review offer valuable insights and recommendations for future efforts to enhance health literacy and the health and well-being of individuals across the island of Ireland.