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Factors that influence health
(Source: Dahlgren and Whitehead)
The WHO defines health as:
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‘a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.’ |
In this context health literacy has acquired a much broader definition – building on the functional skills to include both social and analytical skills that enable people to exert control over all aspects of their life.
The WHO defines health literacy as:
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‘the cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation and ability of an individual to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health.’ |
