Communicating with Community: Health Disparities and Health Equity Considerations

Abstract

This article explores why communicating with communities is important to the health of individuals as well as public health, and best practices of how. We outline the use of relevant theoretic frameworks, understanding the role of technological contextual changes, trust despite misinformation, health and digital literacy skills, and working with the community for effective reciprocal communication. Strategies for developing community communication are also enumerated and applied to addressing health disparities.

Keywords: Communication technology; Community communication strategies; Community engagement; Community-based participatory research; Health communication; Health disparities; Health literacy; Theoretical frameworks.