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  1. Home
  2. Community-based Implementation Strategies
  3. Medical and Health Literacy

Medical and Health Literacy

In order to make the right health care decisions, individuals must have access to accurate information. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only 12 percent of U.S. adults had proficient health literacy and over a third of U.S. adults – 77 million people – would have difficulty with common health tasks, such as following directions on a prescription drug label or adhering to a childhood immunization schedule. Through our community outreach efforts and science-based research, we help community members obtain and process basic health information to increase disease prevention and treatment consistency. 

Medical Health Literacy
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Featured Publications

  • Refusing to treat noncompliant patients is bad medicine
  • Health-related everyday functioning in the internet age: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders disrupt online pharmacy and health chart navigation skills
  • Promoting tobacco cessation and smoke-free workplaces through community outreach partnerships in Puerto Rico

Latest News

photo of woman getting her BMI measured at health fair
HRI gives health screenings at 2019 Health and Resource Fair
TOUCH, TTTF, and UHAND programs come to East End, in collaboration with Councilwoman Karla Cisneros…
Dr. Obasi on Isiah Factor, Fox 26 Houston
Dr. Obasi shares tips for quitting alcohol on Fox 26
Dr. Obasi discusses treatment options for alcohol abuse that include behavioral therapy, medication…
photo of TOUCH activity program
Partnership Moving into Houston’s East End after Success in Third Ward
Midway through a three-year, $2 million grant from the United Health Foundation, University of…
photo of Dr. Obasi's lab
HRI researchers featured in UH Magazine
The University of Houston Magazine's Fall 2018 edition, titled "The Health Issue,"…
photo of insulin shot
Nearly Half of Diabetics Skimp on Treatment Due to High Insulin Cost
According to the American Diabetes Association, between 2002 and 2013 the average price of insulin…
UH Health Research Institute

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