Health literacy, conceptualized as a framework involving basic (functional), interactive and critical skill sets, is a key determinant of health. Application of the health literacy framework (HLF) to immigrant populations has been limited. Our objective was to apply the HLF to discourses about diet-related colon cancer prevention among English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) immigrant women. We also explored whether these discussions could inform the development of culturally appropriate information and potentially increase health literacy. Interviews were conducted with 64 older Spanish-speaking ESL immigrant women. Directed content analysis guided by the HLF was used to identify themes. Diet-related conversations were initiated by 43 (67) participants. Four themes were identified: general information requestslow functional health literacy (FHL) (n = 23/43), specific nutrition inquiries-high FHL (n = 17/43), actions for healthy eating-low interactive health literacy (IHL) (n = 8/43) and community communication issues-high IHL (n = 3/43). No conversations representing critical health literacy were identified. Five women discussed both FHL and IHL themes. Womens diet-related conversations followed a continuum of increasing information needs supporting the HLF. © 2012 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Health literacy Colon cancer Migrants Women

human middle aged colorectal tumor diet Aged Colorectal Neoplasms Central America Cuba ethnology Mexico interview Humans Interviews as Topic Canada Emigrants and Immigrants Spain South America female Article migration health literacy