ABSTRACT
Prevailing studies in health care and health communication show that patientcentered or culture-centered approaches and empowerment-based strategies can significantly improve patient satisfaction, compliance, and health outcomes (Trummer et al., 2006; Massey et al., 2006; Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2003; DeCoster, 2002). These approaches, now being incorporated in the definition of “quality health care,” have been shown to improve health literacy and reduce health disparities (Johnston Lloyd et al., 2006; IOM, 2004). At present there is a lack of empowerment-based health education and prevention programs that are culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate. Most are based on traditional “medical model” pedagogy and clinician-centered models of care. They can be ineffective, or worse, can disempower and further marginalize women and ethnic minority groups, especially those who are poor and have low literacy skills (IOM, 2003, 2004).
