Health Literacy and the Pacific: A Scoping Literature Review of Journal Articles

Objectives: Health literacy is understudied in the Pacific region and among Pacific diasporas globally. The study goal was to provide a scoping review of health literacy research in the Pacific region and among Pacific peoples/diasporas globally to 1) summarize current knowledge and 2) identify gaps and opportunities.

Study design: The study followed Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review method.

Methods: Data were retrieved from 5 electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid, PsychINFO, Web of Science) through March 2025. Two researchers independently evaluated studies against inclusion criteria for “health literacy” and (1) a Pacific location including Oceania and the Philippines and/or (2) a Pacific population including Pacific Islanders and Filipinos in any global location. Data were systematically extracted then synthesized.

Results: Over 1250 records were initially identified; 89 articles were included in the final synthesis; 46 % were quantitative, 40 % qualitative, and 14 % mixed methods. Geographical distribution spanned the Pacific region and beyond (including the USA and affiliated islands of Guam, Marshall Islands, and American Samoa; the Philippines; Vanuatu; New Zealand; Australia; China (Macau); Fiji; Samoa; New Caledonia; Papua New Guinea; South Korea; Canary Islands (Spain), and the United Kingdom). Most studies focused on health literacy of individual patients or laypeople (84 %) compared to professionals (16 %). Many emphasized the importance of communal, collectivist health literacy perspectives.

Conclusions: This scoping review demonstrates the scale and scope of current research on health literacy in the Pacific region and among Pacific diasporas informing research, policy, and practice. A robust literature was also found with multiple methods of scholarship, cross-sector considerations, and community engagement. Notable gaps and fruitful opportunities were also identified.

Keywords: Health literacy; Melanesia; Micronesia; Pacific/Pasifika; Philippines; Polynesia.