A new article authored by members of the JA PreventNCD consortium has just been published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health.
The publication, titled Strengthening population and organizational health literacy to reduce social inequalities within the JA PreventNCD, highlights how improving health literacy is essential for preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and addressing health inequities across Europe.
Health literacy is recognized as a key social determinant of health. It influences how people access, understand, and apply health information—factors that have a direct impact on lifestyle, prevention, and use of healthcare services. The paper presents the methodological approach of the JA PreventNCD “Health Literacy Action,” which aims to strengthen:
- General health literacy among the population
- Digital health literacy to navigate the growing role of online health information and services
- Mental health literacy to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking
- Organizational health literacy to make healthcare systems more responsive and accessible
The Action brings together 13 EU member states and three non-EU member states, applying both quantitative and qualitative methods such as national health literacy surveys, literature reviews, interviews, focus groups, and pilot interventions. A central feature is the use of a Health Literacy Approach to Theory of Change, which guides planning, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring that activities are linked to clear outcomes.
Among the expected results are new tools, including a comprehensive scale for measuring mental health literacy and self-assessment instruments for healthcare organizations. These will help countries identify gaps, test interventions, and build capacity to respond to different health literacy needs.
To strengthen collaboration and visibility beyond the project’s lifetime, the Action will also establish a European Health Literacy Arena—a shared platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and dissemination of best practices.
Ultimately, the work will support participating countries in strengthening their health literacy policies and practices, contributing to more equitable health outcomes and better prevention of NCDs.
Read the full article here: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health