The term "health communication skills" is derived from the combination of two words: "health" and "communication."
- "Health" refers to the overall well-being of an individual, including physical, mental, and social aspects. It encompasses the state of being free from illness or injury and involves maintaining a balanced lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and other health-promoting behaviors.
- "Communication" refers to the process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, or feelings between individuals or groups. Effective communication involves the ability to convey messages clearly and accurately, listen actively, and understand the perspectives of others.
When these two concepts are combined, "health communication skills" refer to the ability to effectively communicate health-related information, promote healthy behaviors, and facilitate positive health outcomes. This includes skills such as active listening, empathy, cultural competence, and the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.