Background

Health literacy is recognized as a critical social determinant of health, being associated with numerous health outcomes. People with limited health literacy utilize healthcare systems in non-efficient ways which determine significantly higher costs. Moreover, Romania has the highest rate of avoidable deaths among European states (80.1% compared to 68% EU average) as a result of limited access to health knowledge and technologies. A report published in 2015 revealed that in Romania, at that time, there was no generally agreed upon definition for the concept of health literacy and there were no interventions implemented that would directly target health literacy levels.

Description of Objectives

Based on the evidence regarding the adverse impact of low health literacy on health status and health systems, as well as the opportunity to reduce disparities in this vital area, we have proposed an action plan on health literacy that could help increase health equity and improve the accessibility, safety, and quality of medical services in Romania.

Impact

Multiple sociological studies conducted by various institutions offer some indicators concerning the limited level of health literacy among Romania’s general population.

Romanian citizens reported a rather pessimistic perspective on cancer treatment options and were further limited in their knowledge regarding innovative therapies and cancer prevention possibilities. With regards to another chronic disease, diabetes, patients appeared to lack long-term disease management abilities, as 20% had not visited a diabetes specialist during the previous year.

Results from another sociological study identified a low level of mental health literacy and a negative attitude towards those diagnosed with mental illness among Romanians.

Another survey showed that only 3 out of 10 Romanian participants believed vaccines to be safe and efficient, whilst over 43% considered vaccines efficient but were not convinced about their safety profile. After the start of COVID-19 national vaccination campaign, 40% of Romanians declared they wanted to get vaccinated, whilst 20% firmly stated they would refuse vaccination.

Discussions