Early childhood plays a key role in the formation of healthy habits and the establishment of health literacy. Nonetheless, there are only a few research studies focusing on the health literacy level of children under the age of eight. The aim of our systematic review is to explore empirical research on health literacy related to early childhood. The research was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol. This systematic review examines 12 studies published between 2013–2022. Results show that research focuses on different domains of health literacy for children. In relation to children’s food literacy, children understand the relationship between health and nutrition and they realize the health impact of obesity. The habits connected to oral health are strongly associated with parents’ knowledge of and behaviours around oral health. Results related to health care situations show that children are able to be actively involved in decision-making processes in connection with their health. Exploring young children’s health literacy is essential in order to be able to plan health promotion interventions, embedded into early childhood education. Picture-based messages or story-based messages supported by illustrations can help measure health literacy in early childhood and can support the formation of health literacy.
Objective: Basic lifesaving activities should be taught in early childhood to develop helping attitude. Our goal was to teach up-to-date theoretical and practical basic first aid using the method of play for kindergarten children. Methods: 51 children visiting kindergarten in two areas of Hungary were involved in the survey, which took place between September and November 2011. The training consisted of two sessions with theoretical and practical games about first aid. As well as the first steps, which concerned how to examine and handle an unconscious patient and how to call an ambulance, the most frequently occurring injuries were also performed in different playful situations. In the third session, children were tested on their skills and a month later they were re-tested. The tests measured the children's problem-solving skills and their basic knowledge about different scenarios requiring first aid. The statistical analysis was made with the SPSS 17.0 software using the Chi-square test and t-test. Results: The maximum point score of the test was 38 points. The average point score of the first test was 16.94 points and the second resulted in higher scores (17.5 points). The difference between the results was significant (p < 0.05). The results showed attitudinal differences between boys and girls (p < 0.05). Conclusions: 5 and 6 year old kindergarten children can learn the basic concepts, but fewer children are able to act adequately in complex situations. A playful method of teaching first aid can improve children's knowledge and helping attitude.
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