The Role of Education and Socio-Economic Status in Shaping Health Literacy Among Migrants

Health literacy (HL) is crucial in enabling individuals to navigate healthcare systems, make informed health decisions, and manage health effectively. Among migrant populations, achieving adequate HL is often complicated by multiple barriers, including language difficulties, cultural differences, and socio-economic factors. Education and socio-economic status (SES) are pivotal in shaping health literacy levels, with lower education and SES often leading to lower health literacy. Migrants, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds or with limited formal education, face increased challenges in accessing, understanding, and applying health-related information. This paper explores the role of education and SES in shaping health literacy among migrants, emphasizing the compounding effects of these factors. It examines how low educational attainment and socio-economic disadvantages contribute to poorer health outcomes, reduced access to healthcare services, and limited engagement with preventive health measures. Additionally, the paper reviews how culturally tailored health education interventions can address these disparities by improving health literacy levels, fostering engagement with healthcare services, and promoting health equity. Through an extensive review of existing literature, the study highlights the need for comprehensive health literacy programs that integrate educational support, financial accessibility, and cultural competency to address the unique needs of migrant populations. It concludes with recommendations for healthcare systems, policymakers, and community-based organizations to prioritize these factors in efforts to improve health literacy and overall health outcomes for migrants.

Keywords:

Health Literacy , Migrants , Education , Socio-economic Status , Health Disparities.