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Using Memes to Increase Health Literacy in Vulnerable Populations

ABSTRACT Background Successful management of diseases, especially COVID-19, a disease by a novel virus, is often contingent upon health literacy (HL), as it directly impacts understanding preventative mandates, testing, and treatment modalities. Many vulnerable populations have preexisting conditions and lack of insurance or access to health care. Such disparities coupled with low HL, mistrust, and fear of medical communities increase their vulnerability to COVID-19, contributing to disparate outcomes. Additionally, ardent social media consumers received, believed and shared misinformation rapidly via social media. Purpose Since health literacy and population training are vital to improving health outcomes, HL must be an outcome of health education. Results This commentary suggests ways to make HL an outcome of health education efforts by using factual memes. Discussion In addressing disparate outcomes, health education specialists must create culturally sensitive, low-literacy, multilingual guides and decision aids with large font, inclusive images, and socially acceptable lingo. Translation to Health Education Practice Memes have comedic and catchy nature, are easily understood and rapidly shared, and can deliver accurate information while increasing HL among vulnerable groups who use social media.