| 總結: | Background Health literacy (HL) is crucial for individuals’ interactions with health systems and their engagement with health-related information. It is influenced by cultural and linguistic diversity, socioeconomic factors, and the structure of health systems. Latin America and the Caribbean, marked by significant inequities, provide a unique context for investigating HL. Understanding the methods to evaluate HL can enhance the practices of health professionals, guide policymaking, and improve educational initiatives tailored to the specific needs of the region.Aim This study aimed to map the methodological approaches used to evaluate HL across populations in Latin America and the Caribbean.Methods This review followed the JBI Manual for Scoping Reviews. Databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCIELO, LILACS, BDENF, IBECS, and Google Scholar were searched in July 2023. It included primary research that examined HL evaluation using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The extracted data focused on study characteristics, research design procedures, and the areas and levels of HL assessed.Results We analyzed a total of 228 studies published between 2009 and 2022, with 70% published since 2019. A significant portion of the research was conducted in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Peru, utilizing a quantitative approach (91%), mainly via cross-sectional designs. The remaining studies employed qualitative (5%) or mixed-methods (4%) approaches. Research design procedures included the use of tools (68.2%), structured questionnaires (20.6%), and semi-structured questionnaires (including focus groups and individual interviews) (11.2%). Most studies targeted patients with chronic diseases in clinical settings, while migrants and Indigenous populations were comparatively understudied. The majority of studies addressed generic, oral, and nutritional HL, primarily using tools such as NVS, S-TOFHLA, and SAHLPA. Despite the variety of tools used, most focused on functional aspects of HL, with limited attention to its multidimensional and evolving nature.Discussion To bridge HL gaps, countries in the region must develop culturally and linguistically appropriate tools and focus on under-researched groups, including Indigenous peoples and migrants.
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