Exploring perspectives of health literacy needs of migrants and minority ethnic groups

Nearly 15% of people living in Portsmouth are from a minority ethnic background and the city has the largest number of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the South East Region of England. However, little is known about the challenges they face when navigating the healthcare system in the UK. Understanding how to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and evaluate and utilise health-related information is essential not only for maintaining good health and managing and preventing illnesses but also to provide people with self-management, independence and confidence when accessing healthcare. Health literacy (HL) is crucial in these situations, and it refers to the combination of skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to access, comprehend, evaluate, and apply health information in making informed decisions about healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion to enhance and maintain one's overall well-being. Therefore, this project aims to explore perspectives of health literacy needs of migrants and minority ethnic groups in Portsmouth.