Health Literacy as a Tool for Promoting Rights: A Literature Review Based on the Foundations of Health Law

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21727/rpu.v16i3.5245

Abstract

Objective: This study analyzes the importance of health literacy as an essential tool to promote patient autonomy and ensure their health rights in Brazil. It explores the relationship between the ability to access, understand, and apply health information and the enforcement of the right to health guaranteed by the Federal Constitution of 1988. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed by Medline, and BVS databases. Articles published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish that addressed health literacy in the legal and health context were selected. Inclusion criteria considered studies exploring the intersection of health literacy, patient autonomy, and public policy development. Studies outside this context, without a primary focus on health literacy, duplicates, or without relevant primary data were excluded. Results: The analysis revealed conceptual confusion in Brazil between literacy, health education, and health literacy, often treated as synonyms. However, health literacy emerges as a broader concept requiring critical and analytical skills to interpret and apply reliable information. Patients with higher health literacy demonstrate greater decision-making autonomy and an enhanced ability to exercise their health rights, contributing to equity in access and quality of healthcare services. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of expanding the concept of health literacy in the legal-health context, fostering an informed and empowered population.

Keywords: Literacy; Health literacy; Health law.

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Author Biographies

Eloisa Karine Braga Lopes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ)

Pós-graduação em Direito Sanitário (PRODISA) FIOCRUZ-DF/ Mestra em Telessaúde e Telemedicina pela Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ).RJ, Brasil.

Filipe Henrique Lopes, Faculdade de Minas Gerais (FAMIG)

Bacharel em Administração, Pedagogia e Segurança Pública. MG, Brasil.

Michelly Costa de Mendonça , Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ)

Bacharel em Farmácia. Mestranda em Telessaúde e Telemedicina pela Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). RJ, Brasil.

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Published

2025-10-31

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2025): Revista Pró-UniverSUS V 16 N 3

Section

Teaching

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Copyright (c) 2025 Eloisa Karine Braga Lopes, Filipe Henrique Lopes, Michelly Costa de Mendonça

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