National Adult Literacy Database

This article describes how a university/community partnership produced a research project that identified what needed to be done to address health literacy needs among a largely rural population in northeastern Nova Scotia.

Faculty from the departments of human nutrition, adult education and nursing at St. Francis Xavier University joined forces with five community-based literacy and health organizations in three counties to explore factors that influence the ways adults with limited literacy skills access and act upon health information and services. As well, the project sought to identify strategies for change that build upon existing capacities for achieving health.

The article follows the project from initial consultations to the establishment of a project advisory panel; the collection of data from participants; analysis of data; preparation of a discussion paper; roundtable discussions; and the establishment of priorities for action.

The article also discusses follow-up actions taken and the lessons learned from the project.