An outpatient diabetic clinic nurse is asked to develop an educational program.
Which key factor would the nurse first need to know to begin planning the program?

The level of health literacy in the group should be an initial major concern for these nurses.

Health literacy refers to the ability of individuals to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.

In a low socioeconomic community, the level of health literacy may be lower than average, which can impact the effectiveness of a health promotion program.

By understanding the level of health literacy in the group, the nurses can tailor their program to meet the needs and abilities of their clients.

Choice B is not the answer because computer resources and access to the internet for health promotion may not be a major concern initially.

Choice C is not the answer because the primary communicable diseases that are present may not be a major concern initially.

Choice D is not the answer because the number of health professionals in the community may not be a major concern initially.

Health disparities are differences in health outcomes or health risks that affect certain groups of people more than others.

These groups can be defined by factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, income, education, disability, location or orientation.

Choice A is incorrect because it only includes ethnicity and age while health disparities can be defined by a variety of factors.

Choice C is incorrect because it only includes lack of a designated primary care provider while health disparities can be defined by a variety of factors.

Choice D is incorrect because it only includes lack of insurance while health disparities can be defined by a variety of factors.