ERIC Number: EJ1196658
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0965-4283
EISSN: N/A
Promoting Health Literacy: Sixth Graders Working in Partnership with the Local Pharmacy
Kärkkäinen, Sirpa; Kukkonen, Jari; Kontturi, Sirpa; Keinonen, Tuula
Health Education, v118 n6 p470-482 2018
Purpose: Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. The purpose of this paper is to focus on sixth graders' (N=21, aged 13-14) health literacy, particularly in relation to the rational use of medicines and the role of pharmacies. Design/methodology/approach: The socio-scientific issues (SSI) approach by way of the three-stage model, the stages being scenario, inquiry and decision making, was adopted in this intervention study. The study was a qualitative case study and data consisted of cartoons, audio recordings of group discussions and group interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Findings: At the beginning of the intervention, pupils possessed detailed information about the rational use of medicines; however, they did not refer to the role of pharmacy as a source of medicine information which they did after the intervention. They were also more aware particularly how to store and dispose of unnecessary medicines. Their theoretical and practical knowledge related to pharmacy careers and production of medicines was enhanced. Practical implications: The SSI approach by way of the three-stage model provides an excellent opportunity to schools for local co-operation with the community and familiarization with the careers. Moreover, it offers the possibility to enhance pupils' health literacy. Originality/value: The SSI approach is so far less implemented in the context of medicine education and to improve health literacy.
Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emeraldinsight.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 6; Intermediate Grades; Middle Schools; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Finland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A