scholarly journals Correlation Between eHealth Literacy and Health Literacy Using the eHealth Literacy Scale and Real-Life Experiences in the Health Sector as a Proxy Measure of Functional Health Literacy: Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. e281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Del Giudice ◽  
Giulia Bravo ◽  
Marco Poletto ◽  
Anna De Odorico ◽  
Alessandro Conte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Proxy Measure

scholarly journals Correlation Between eHealth Literacy and Health Literacy Using the eHealth Literacy Scale and Real-Life Experiences in the Health Sector as a Proxy Measure of Functional Health Literacy: Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Del Giudice ◽  
Giulia Bravo ◽  
Marco Poletto ◽  
Anna De Odorico ◽  
Alessandro Conte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Field

BACKGROUND The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) is a tool for the self-assessment of perceived comfort and skills in using the internet as a source for health-related information. Although evidence exists of the reliability and construct and structural validity of the scale, there is a lack of evidence in relation to what is proposed by Norman and Skinner in their theoretical lily model of eHealth literacy; in particular it is not clear whether having a higher level of health literacy can positively influence electronic health (eHealth) literacy as measured by the eHEALS. OBJECTIVE Our study aim was to assess whether real-life experiences from studying or working in the health field, as a proxy of higher functional health literacy, correlate with self-referred eHealth literacy as measured by the eHEALS. METHODS A Web-based survey was conducted among adults living in Northeast Italy using an Italian version of the eHEALS (IT-eHEALS). In order to be able to measure the effect of higher functional health literacy on eHealth literacy, we divided our sample into two groups, respectively characterized by studying or working experience in the health sector and by lack thereof. Mean differences between eHEALS were calculated using t test and effect size evaluated using Cohen d. To ensure the validity of the IT-eHEALS, we evaluated its psychometric properties (internal consistency and dimensionality) and construct validity (by evaluating its correlation with respondents age, gender, educational attainment, self-rated health, use of internet for health-related purposes, and working status). RESULTS A total of 868 respondents that completed the IT-eHEALS were included for analysis, of which 259 had working or studying experience in the health field. Mean (SD) eHEALS total score was 28.2 (6.2) for the whole sample, with statistically significant differences (P<.001) between the two groups, with the higher health literate group scoring significantly better (31.9 (5.9) vs 26.7 (5.6), respectively), with a standardized mean difference (Cohen d) of 0.9. Interestingly, we found a weak, yet significant, correlation between eHealth literacy and respondent characteristics for the higher health literate group only, as measured by positive Spearman correlation coefficients for age (0.11, P=.001), educational attainment (0.19, P=.002) and self-rated health (0.14, P=.024). Also, in line with current literature, correlation of eHEALS score with frequency of internet use for health-related purposes was significant for both groups (0.32, P<.001 and 0.15, P<.001 for higher and lower health literacy group, respectively). In our study we could not find any difference related to gender, while a significant difference for working status was only present when considering the sample as a whole (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates a sizeable effect of higher levels of functional health literacy on the eHEALS score, corroborating what was initially proposed by Norman and Skinner in the lily model of eHealth literacy.

scholarly journals HEALTH LITERACY OF INDIVIDUALS UNDERGOING DIALYSIS THERAPY

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica Naylla de Melo Bezerra ◽  
Sara Rebeca de Oliveira Lessa ◽  
Marcelo Francisco do Ó ◽  
Givaneide Oliveira de Andrade Luz ◽  
Anna Karla de Oliveira Tito Borba
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
P Value ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Adequate Health Literacy

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the functional levels of health literacy in individuals undergoing dialysis. Method: a cross-sectional study with 42 patients of the Nephrology Unit of a public hospital in Recife, Brazil, from May to August 2016. Data were collected through scripted interviews and chart analysis. Functional health literacy was measured using the Brazilian version of the Short-Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®) software, version 18.0, with a univariate analysis to verify the association between independent variables and functional health literacy levels using Fisher's exact test. Results: 80.9% of the patients presented inadequate health literacy and 19.1% presented adequate health literacy. The number of correct answers remained between 0-18 in the reading comprehension and in the scheduling appointment card. Among the independent variables, only marital status (p-value=0.018) and personal income (p-value=0.009) were factors associated with the worst scores in the test, indicating that these variables influence the increase in inadequate literacy. Conclusion: the prevalence of inadequate functional literacy was high, reflecting difficulties in understanding and processing health information, which may interfere with therapeutic management and self-care.

Defining Taiwanese children’s health literacy abilities from a health promotion perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 69-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Ling Liao ◽  
Chieh-Hsing Liu ◽  
Chi-Chia Cheng ◽  
Tzu-Chau Chang
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Operational Definition ◽  
Children's Health ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Children’S Health ◽  
Measurement Tool

Background: Health literacy is related to health inequality, health behaviors, and health status. Globally, health literacy has primarily focused on adults and has been based on the medical model. It is necessary to understand children’s life experiences as they relate to health; thus, this study attempted to evaluate and describe the health literacy abilities of sixth-graders in Taiwan. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 10 teachers and 11 caregivers, and focus groups were conducted with 32 children. Health literacy abilities corresponding to real-life situations were identified from life skills and the Taiwanese Curriculum Guidelines for health education. Three expert meetings were held to redefine children’s health literacy using a health promotion perspective and confirmed indicators. Results: An operational definition of three aspects of children’s health literacy and 25 abilities was proposed: 11 functional health literacy abilities (e.g. understands the connection between personal health care behaviors and health); seven interactive health literacy abilities (e.g. obtains and understands information from various channels); and seven critical health literacy abilities (e.g. analyzes the relationship between personal needs and diet choices for a balanced diet). These indicators cover 10 health education categories. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of understanding Taiwanese children’s health literacy, and the urgency of developing an appropriate measurement tool. The definition and indicators in this study were identified using a child-centered approach focusing on children’s real-life experiences. The result serves as a solid basis for the development of the Taiwan Children’s Health Literacy Scale, and provides information for the decision-making sector on health education.

scholarly journals Comprehension of the education handout and health literacy of pacemaker users

2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 633-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackelline Evellin Moreira dos Santos ◽  
Virginia Visconde Brasil ◽  
Katarinne Lima Moraes ◽  
Jacqueline Andréia Bernardes Leão Cordeiro ◽  
Gabriela Ferreira de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Cardiac Pacemaker ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Literacy Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Cross Sectional

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the comprehension of the education handout and the level of Functional Health Literacy of individuals with cardiac pacemaker (PM) and whether there is correlation between the comprehension and Functional Health Literacy (FHL). Method: Cross-sectional study with 63 individuals with PM who answered to comprehension tests of the handout, literacy assessment (SAHLPA-50) and cognition (MMSE). Measurements of dispersion, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were calculated. Results: Most women, study time ≤ 9 years, 66.21 (average age) presented no cognitive changes. An adequate literacy level was evidenced in 50.8% individuals with PM and satisfactory comprehension of the handout. No correlation was identified between FHL, handout comprehension, age, years of study and cognition. Conclusion: The handout comprehension assessed by individuals with appropriate FHL indicated that it can be a printed material suitable for use, aiming to improve care process and knowledge of individuals with PM.

scholarly journals Association of Functional Health Literacy with Glycemic Control: A Cross Sectional Study in Urban Population of Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Refat Mehzabin ◽  
Kazi Jahangir Hossain ◽  
Md. Moniruzzaman ◽  
S K Jakaria Been Sayeed
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Glycemic Control ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Diabetes Duration ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inadequate Glycemic Control

Background: Diabetes mellitus is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality around the world though there is huge development regarding its treatment. Many studies showed that functional health literacy has a great impact on diabetes outcome. The study assessed the relationship between functional health literacy and glycemic control in a sample of urban diabetic patients. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangladesh University of Health and Science Hospital, Jurain, Dhaka from January to December 2014 that included adult diabetic patients on the basis of defined selection criteria following the purposive sampling method. Functional health literacy was assessed with the short form Test of the Functional Health Literacy in Adults (s-TOFLA). Recent HbA1c was used as a measure of glycemic control and categorized into tight, fair and inadequate glycemic control. Regression models were controlled for demographic data, diabetes duration, treatment regimen, diabetes knowledge and assistance for taking medications. Results: Following the s-TOFLA scale, 60.5% of the diabetic patients had inadequate functional health literacy of them, 89.3% had inadequate glycemic control (HbA1c>8%). And those who had adequate functional health literacy (24%) of them 68.8% had tight glycemic control (HbA1c≤7%). Overall 63.0% of the respondents had inadequate glycemic control. In linear regression model low s-TOFLA scores, longer diabetes duration and lack of assistance for taking medications were associated with higher levels of HbA1c. In fully adjusted model s-TOFLA score was the variable which was more strongly associated with HbA1c (β = -0.60, P<0.001). Conclusions: The study found that low health literacy is consistently associated with inadequate glycemic control. J MEDICINE JUL 2019; 20 (1) : 19-24

Gender-based Inequalities in Health literacy among an Iranian Kurd Population: Results of a Community Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Mahmoodi ◽  
Rahmatollah Moradzadeh ◽  
Abedin Iranpour ◽  
Fatemeh Shahi ◽  
Somayeh Azimi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Concentration Index ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Monthly Income ◽  
Place Of Residence ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Health literacy, as a social determinant of health, has a decisive role in providing different populations with healthcare services in an equal manner. Our aim in this study was to investigate the contribution of socio-demographic factors to functional health literacy (FHL) in a population of Iranian adults and identify differences in the contribution of these factors across genders. Methods This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 to 2016 in Sanandaj, Iran. Multistage cluster sampling was employed to recruit 1000 people older than 18 (response rate = 89.2%) from 35 urban and 10 rural health care centers. Test of functional health literacy in adults (TOFHLA) was used to assess FHL. In order to measure inequality in FHL, concentration index decomposition was used. Results In total, 869 respondents (response rate: 86.9%) with a mean age (standard deviation; SD) of 33.68 (13.0) completed TOFHLA questionnaire. More than half of participants were women (57.5%). Participants demonstrated an average TOFHLA score of 51.9. Women demonstrated slightly higher TOFHLA scores (52.2 [SD: 0.46]) compared to men (50.7 [SD: 0.4]). However, the concentration index for gender was 10.9% suggesting gender contributed only moderately to TOFHLA scores. Comparatively, 54.3% of TOFHLA differences were attributed to geographic location. Among women, place of residence, monthly income, age, education level and being head of household contributed to 43%, 32%, 13%, 11.5% and 11% of FHL inequality, respectively. Among men, however, place of residence (45.2%), size of household (15.1%) and monthly income (13.5%) contributed most to inequality in FHL. Conclusions Although gender was not the strongest contributing factor for FHL inequalities, poor FHL was mostly concentrated among men. Different factors were attributed to FHL inequality by gender, as discussed inside. Understanding these differences may assist in identifying and targeting interventions towards men and women with low levels of FHL. Our findings shed light the critical role of social determinants of health (SDH) in promoting the health literacy of populations, particularly in developing countries like Iran.

scholarly journals Health Literacy and Diabetes Knowledge: A Nationwide Survey in a Multi-Ethnic Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9316
Author(s):  
P. V. Asharani ◽  
Jue Hua Lau ◽  
Kumarasan Roystonn ◽  
Fiona Devi ◽  
Wang Peizhi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inadequate Health Literacy

Health literacy is a key determinant of the public health and health climate of the nation. This study examined the functional health literacy of the nation, factors associated with health literacy, and its relationship with diabetes recognition. This cross-sectional survey recruited participants (N = 2895) who were 18 years and above from a population registry through disproportionate stratified sampling. The Brief Health Literacy Screen and other questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews, in one of the four national languages (English, Chinese, Malay or Tamil). The majority (80.5%) had adequate functional health literacy and were able to recognise symptoms of diabetes correctly (83.5% overall; 83.7% and 82.2% in those with adequate and inadequate health literacy, respectively). Those with inadequate health literacy had a higher incidence of chronic conditions (p < 0.001) compared to those with adequate health literacy in bivariate analysis. The majority of the sample had sufficient levels of physical activity (83.3%), and more than half reported an unhealthy lifestyle (57.4%). Older age, Chinese ethnicity, those who were employed, with lower education (secondary or below), and were married had significantly higher odds of inadequate health literacy. Health literacy was not associated with lifestyle, physical activity, chronic conditions and diabetes recognition. Health literacy interventions should focus on the disadvantaged social groups for improving their health literacy.

scholarly journals Validity and reliability of the Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale and the Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Sweden: a prospective psychometric evaluation study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e056592
Author(s):  
Maria Jaensson ◽  
Erik Stenberg ◽  
Yuli Liang ◽  
Ulrica Nilsson ◽  
Karuna Dahlberg
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Factor Solution ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Critical Health Literacy

ObjectivesThe aim was to psychometrically test and evaluate the Swedish functional health literacy scale and the Swedish communicative and critical health literacy scale in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.DesignA prospective cross-sectional psychometric study.SettingPatients from three bariatric centres in Sweden were consecutively included in this study.ParticipantsA total of 704 patients undergoing bariatric surgery filled in the questionnaires preoperatively. Inclusion criteria were scheduled for primary bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) and greater than 17 years, proficiency in Swedish.Primary and secondary measuresPsychometric outcomes of the Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale and the Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale.ResultsThere was a higher proportion of females (74.4%, n=523) to males (25.6%, n=180). The mean age was 42 years (SD 11.5). Limited functional health literacy and limited communicative and critical health literacy (including both inadequate and problematic health literacy) was reported in 55% (n=390) and 40% (n=285), respectively. Cronbach alpha for the Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale was α=0.86 and for the Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale, α=0.87. Construct validity showed weak to negative correlations between the Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale and income, education and SF-36/RAND36 summary scores. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a one-factor solution for the Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale and a two-factor solution for the Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale.ConclusionsThe Swedish Functional Health Literacy scale and the Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale are valid and reliable to use for patients undergoing bariatric surgery in a Swedish context. Measuring dimensions of health literacy can be used as a guide for the development of health literacy friendly patient information in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

scholarly journals Health functional literacy and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taciane Alvarenga Perez ◽  
Eduardo Federighi Baisi Chagas ◽  
Osni Lázaro Pinheiro
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Functional Literacy

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the relationship between adherence to antiretroviral therapy and Functional Health Literacy. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out in the Specialized Care Service in 2019, using questionnaires about adherence to treatment and Functional Health literacy people living with human immunodeficiency virus. The LFS questionnaire has questions about numerical and text interpretation skills and the adherence questionnaire addresses how to use antiretrovirals. Viral load was verified by analysis of medical records. Associations between variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: 78 patients were interviewed and a significant association between the variables to treatment adherence and Functional Literacy in Health was observed. The association between adherence to therapy and viral load levels was also significant. Conclusions: The data found show a significant association between the variables, ie, the lower the functional health literacy, the greater the difficulty to adhere to treatment.

scholarly journals Health literacy status among pregnant women in a Brazilian conditional cash transfer programme: a cross-sectional investigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e4979119650
Author(s):  
Álex Moreira Herval ◽  
Fabiana Vargas-Ferreira ◽  
Efigênia Ferreira e Ferreira ◽  
Viviane Elisângela Gomes ◽  
Andréa Maria Duarte Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Conditional Cash Transfer ◽  
Cash Transfer ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Literacy Survey

Objective: To investigate the overall score and the variables associated with health literacy of pregnant women benefited from a conditional cash transfer programme. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with pregnant women benefited from a Brazilian conditional cash transfer programme. We used a validated short health literacy survey developed for research on public health and health promotion. The level of health literacy (high or low) was considered a determining variable. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was applied to the data collected. Results: Only the two following variables were associated with health literacy: participation in health education activities and the choice of mothers to seek advice regarding pregnancy. Functional health literacy was higher when pregnant women participated in health education activities. Critical health literacy was higher when pregnant women sought advice from their mothers, friends, and other family members. Conclusion: Health education and a social network of pregnant women should be part of prenatal care.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document