Examining Associations between Adult Health and Literacy, Numeracy, Technological Problem-Solving Skills, and Post-Initial Learning in the U.S.

Higher educational attainment is strongly associated with better health, but we know far less about how other social determinants, such as literacy and continuing participation in formal and non-formal education, shape health outcomes. This paper uses PIAAC data for U.S. adults to analyze the relationship between respondents’ self-reported health and (a) literacy, numeracy, and technological problem-solving skills, and (b) post-initial learning, and to determine whether those relationships vary by race/ethnicity and formal educational attainment. Post-initial learning includes the pursuit of formal and non-formal education and training beyond the respondent’s highest level of completed schooling.

Communication
Topic
Health Numeracy
Audience
Public Health Professionals, Researchers and Academics, Educators and Trainers
Setting
Schools and Educational Settings, Research Settings
Level
Advanced