Medical literacy development of adult population in Slovakia and Ukraine

Abstract

The diagnosis results of medical literacy levels among different groups of adult population in Slovakia are given in this article. The objective of the article was aimed at studying the specifics of medical literacy development in European countries and making a comparative research analysis for determining the levels of medical literacy among adult population in Slovakia and Ukraine and making up the recommendations.The majority of the respondents in the European countries were found to have the insufficient level of medical literacy. It was specified that the comprehensive study of medical literacy issues among adults was not carried out in Ukraine at all. Positively estimating the research experience of medical literacy levels among adult population in Slovakia, it is worthwhile to single out the progressive ideas of its implementation in an area of support, maintenance and restoration of health for adults in Ukraine. The recommendations were made up for increasing medical literacy of different groups of adult population at the national and regional levels as well as at the level of healthcare and educational institutions and universities. Conclusions. The research results of medical literacy among adult population can be recommended to the representatives of governmental institutions, universities, healthcare institutions so as to update legislation, prepare teaching and methodological materials for universities and postgraduate education.