Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Winter 5-2-2023
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Background: Instilling health literacy in children could reduce the chances of poor health behaviours and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Good childhood health literacy has been associated with routinely having a healthier diet, as well as a better understanding and use of nutritional information on foods and drinks. Building resilience in childhood through health literacy programmes can also have a positive impact on psychological health and well-being across the life course, and reducing the severity of depression experienced in adulthood among other diseases.
Objectives: The objectives of the study were to find out how health literacy is offered to children in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), to explore benefits of health literacy to children, to establish how SSA sustain health literacy in children.
Methods: Literature review was used to gather data.
Resutls: Findings indicated that health literacy is offered to children using the school model in SAA. The benefits of health literacy in children could reduce the chances of poor health behaviour in adulthood. Health literacy could be sustained if embedded in the school curriculum.
Recommendations: The study recommended clear practical, proper guidelines of health literacy curriculum at school, the establishment of school libraries, involvement of the public libraries in instilling health literacy to children with the aim of reducing NCDs in children.
Conclusion: The study concludes that health literacy should be taught from infancy stage