Abstract
Background: Non-communicable diseases are an increasing burden of disease and a priority for action in the European Union (EU). National solutions for people-centred interventions are needed to optimize equitable access and use of health information and services. The EU Joint Action for CARdiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and DIabetes (JACARDI) seeks to reduce CVDs and diabetes by improving health systems and healthcare access and addressing the needs of people in Europe.
In this framework, adolescents and young people are an especially relevant sub-population given their tendency to acquire unhealthy habits, inappropriate behaviours and substance abuse that may result in mental health problems or lead to diseases in adult such as CVDs or diabetes. The promotion of health literacy and education is essential for this population, to foster them to modify and acquire new habits, tools and skills about health and life with the aim of improving their well-being, coping with adversity, and safeguarding good health throughout their whole life.
Approach: Based on the WHO's Health Literacy Development Model, including the Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access) co-design methodology, the Basque Country region (Spain) is developing a health literacy programme for adolescents, young people and their relatives. The programme, aligned with the Community Community care and empowerment strategy of Osakidetza Basque Health Service, will ensure equitable and inclusive access to innovative and sustainable health services and resources adapted to the target population. The inclusion of vulnerable people at risk of stigma or discrimination is especially considered in the design of the programme.
The integration of a multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral engagement in collaboration with health and community professionals as well as end-users will guarantee broad reach and sustainable impact, empowering people to play an informed and active role in the design of appropriate services and resources. The distribution of the Health Literacy Questionnaire in the region will gather a representative overview of the health literacy levels of the Basque population and cluster individuals based on their needs and interests. This data will guide the prioritisation process workshops for ideas and actions generation by key stakeholders and end-users to define fit-for-purpose, needed, wanted and implementable interventions that can be merged into a new model of care offering the right services for adolescents and young people in the Basque population.
Results: Based on a holistic approach and the involvement of adolescents and young populations from the early stages of the design, this program implemented in 2025 will emerge as a key integrated model for improving health outcomes and quality of life of Basque adolescents and young people. They will be able to access knowledge, improve their ability to use health and care services, foster self-management and empower them to become more resilient while performing real behavioural changes to favour their health and the primary prevention of diseases.
Implications: The health literacy programme developed in the Basque Country incorporates a proactive approach, using a robust methodology to co-design the services and resources with the target population, including an equity and diversity perspective without setting aside vulnerable people.