Allied Health Student's Attitudes and Beliefs on Health Literacy Issues Focused on the Non-Native English-Speaking Community

Author

Amy I. Thompson, Bellarmine UniversityFollow

Date of Award

7-17-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

School Name

College of Health Professions

Department

Health Professions

Major Advisor

Dr. Barbara Jackson

Second Advisor

Dr Pamela Cartor

Third Advisor

Dr Laura Miller

Abstract

Today's allied health students and their professors are faced with many challenges, including the low level of health literacy among the United States population. Healthy People 2020 defined health literacy as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions” (Healthy People 2030). This definition was expanded in Healthy People 2030, to include concepts related to personal and organizational health literacy. Social determinates, such as a language barrier, further complicates an already complex situation with health literacy levels. This focus group, interview-based qualitative study aimed to investigate allied health students’ attitudes and beliefs of health literacy, particularly with non-native English Speakers and the importance of training while enrolled in their educational programs. Participants were students from the Medical Assisting, Paramedic/Emergency Medicine, Radiography, Respiratory Therapy 1^st year and 2^nd year, and Sonography allied health programs. Participants engaged in a simulation activity, including four brief health literacy videos, followed by the six focus group sessions. Study results include that allied health students believe health literacy training is important for their future practice, they are not currently receiving enough training, simulation is the preferred method of delivery, and they feel a need for inclusivity for all patients in the American healthcare system.It was discovered that allied health students believe that health literacy issues occur within all populations of individuals. Participants commented that all populations should be viewed as priority in the American healthcare system, regardless of who they are, where they’re from or what language they speak.

Recommended Citation

Thompson, Amy I., "Allied Health Student's Attitudes and Beliefs on Health Literacy Issues Focused on the Non-Native English-Speaking Community" (2025). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones. 205.
https://scholarworks.bellarmine.edu/tdc/205