HEALTH LITERACY AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE IN REDUCING AVOIDABLE MORTALITY AMONG ADULTS.

Abstract

Adulthood years are a critical period for the development of lifelong habits, yet they are also associated with increased health risks that can lead to avoidable mortality. These include non-communicable diseases, mental health issues, and risky behaviours such as substance abuse and unprotected sexual activity. Health literacy plays a crucial role in empowering young individuals to make informed decisions and engage in preventive health behaviours that will support them, especially in their productive years. Recent research highlights the positive relationship between health literacy and improved health outcomes, such as better nutrition, increased physical activity, and reduced engagement in risky behaviours, all of which contribute to reducing avoidable mortality. The literature on health literacy underscores its importance not only in guiding individual behaviours but also in fostering a healthier work-life in society. Adults with higher health literacy are more likely to adopt preventive measures, engage in mental health management, and make informed health decisions. Additionally, health literacy supports the navigation of healthcare systems and can reduce the burden on healthcare infrastructures by promoting health-seeking behaviors and the early detection of health issues. The focus of interventions aimed at improving health literacy in young populations includes integrating health education into school curricula, thereby producing productive adults by leveraging on the use of digital tools and improving access to youth-friendly healthcare services. These efforts are crucial for reducing health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, and for promoting long-term well-being. It explores the relevance to emerging adults health and its potential to reduce avoidable mortality through the promotion of preventive health behaviours. By addressing the key determinants of health and the barriers that hinder health literacy, this work emphasizes the transformative role that health literacy plays in shaping healthier societies. Future research and interventions must focus on enhancing health literacy to combat health inequities and improve public health outcomes for young people globally. Keywords: Health literacy, Emerging adults, avoidable mortality, preventive health behaviors, public health.