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Health Literacy Survey

Alliance for a Healthy South Madison Health Literacy Survey

The Alliance for a Healthy South Madison is gathering information to determine how we could work together to improve health literacy among area residents. Health Literacy is defined as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate decisions regarding their health.” To help us determine how we can better meet the needs of South Madison residents, we would greatly appreciate your help by answering the following questions.

1. Given your experience working with residents of South Madison, please indicate how much of a problem each is for residents in this area.

	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Lack of awareness on where to go to receive free health care	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Lack transportation to health care services.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Don't understand proper nutrition.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Don’t understand importance of exercise.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Don’t feel safe walking/running in their neighborhood.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Don’t have access to healthy food.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Don’t know how to manage chronic conditions (asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.)	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Don’t know how to research information on medical conditions.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Unable to determine what Internet sources of information are reliable.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Unable to remember or follow basic instructions and medical advice.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Unable to read basic instructions due to limited or no ability to speak or read English.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Unable to read basic instructions due to limited reading ability/skill.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Don’t know how to apply for Medicaid/Medicare.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem
Find it difficult to read directional signs in hospitals or clinics.	Not a problem Small problem Significant problem Really big problem

2. Using numbers 1 (greatest problem) through 6 (least) please rank the following as to how much of a problem each is in health literacy for South Madison residents. (Use each number only once.)

Bilingual information not available
Instructions not written in understandable English
No access to computer to do health research
Fearful or embarrassed to admit he/she doesn’t understand
Embarrassed that he/she has no insurance
Can’t get appointment because of limited services available for uninsured

3. The following population groups may have health literacy challenges. Using numbers 1 (highest priority) to 6 (lowest priority), rank the groups that should have the highest priority for assistance in health literacy in South Madison.

Elderly
Ethnic minority populations
Immigrant populations
Low income residents
People with chronic mental health conditions
People with chronic physical conditions

4. What other specific health literacy issues have you identified?

5. What one action would improve health literacy among area residents?