Question

If you know anyone who smokes, ask this person to explain to you why he/she smokes. Analyze the response to determine which domains of health literacy are and are not involved in their response

Answer 1

Smoking

The burning and inhalation of tobacco or other substances like Marijuana is called Smoking.

Response : The reason for smoking

Mr. J responded regarding the reasons of his smoking habits. He told , if he is skipping to smoke for long hours , then he used to experience irritability, headache, nervousness, trouble speaking etc and he also told that he was aware about the fact that the habit is not good for his health and want to stop it. He started the habit for ' just tried it' in his high school   along with friends and now also he used to give company to his friends in smoking, at the work place.  

Analysis of the response:

Health litetacy : It is ability of an individual to use health information and concepts generatively. The main domains of Health literacy are :

* Fundamental literacy

* Science literacy

* Civic literacy

* Cultural literacy.

When analysing his response , it is clear that the response is involving the ,

* Fundamental literacy: Reading , writing , speaking and numeracy .

* Cultural literacy: ability to understand and honour culture , language , traditions etc.

His response indicates that he lacks the Science and Civic literacy.  

Science literacy : Refers the competence with science and technology, awareness about the process of science ,ability to comprehend the facts and technical complexity etc.  

He doesn't have the understanding about the ' Addictive effects of Nicotine ' and lacks the knowledge about the ' Nicotine Replacement Therapy ' . He never tried to obtain medical help for stopping the habit of smoking and nit aware about the effects of passive smoking on others.

Civic literacy: Knowledge , skills and the ability of a person to participate in making positive change in community.  

He used to smoke at work place , along with his friends. He is not aware about the effects of passive smoking and is not bothered about the community or other's health.