“Health literacy assessment of primary care patients in Low and Middle Income Countries”

Background: Health literacy data is critical for enhancing self-care abilities and improving healthcare outcomes. However, information on health literacy level in rural Bayelsa, Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is dearth. Objective of the study was to determine health literacy level of rural dwellers utilizing the services of Primary Healthcare Centers in rural Bayelsa.Methods: A total of 800 participants were randomly selected through multistage sampling procedure in a cross-sectional survey. Demographic data assessment questionnaire and the Brief Health Literacy Screening Tool were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics was done to obtain summaries of demographic and health literacy data while independent samples t-test, and one-way between group analysis of covariance was conducted to determine area-based differences in health literacy scores and the impact of frequency of health center visit on participants’ health literacy scores, respectively.Results: Health literacy assessment showed that, 570 (71.25%) participants had limited health literacy; 142 (17.75%) had marginal health literacy, and 88 (11.00%) had adequate health literacy. Health literacy scores were significantly higher in the upland (M=22.08, SD=8.64), than riverine areas of rural Bayelsa (M=18.66, SD=8.46; t (800)=8.02, p=0.00, 2-tailed). Frequency of health center visit significantly accounted for 20% of the variance in participants’ health literacy scores (F (2, 796) = 95.72, p=0.00, eta squared=0.20)).Conclusions: Health literacy level is low, and indicates a public health emergency. Rural educational development and modification of rural healthcare communication pattern may reduce health illiteracy and its attendant effect.

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“…It is, however, dissimilar with findings of Pasha et al who had more primary care patients (28.54%) in the 26-35 age category 18. …”

contrasting

confidence: 86%

Health literacy level in rural Bayelsa, Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region

Zibima

Ennag²,

Oniso

et al. 2021

Int J Community Med Public Health

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“…We found several studies that focused on general population HL [ 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]; however, we found fewer data about the health literacy level of medical/health sciences professionals and students [ 17 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Understanding Health Literacy among University Health Science Students of Different Nationalities

Bánfai-Csonka

Bánfai

Jeges

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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An adequate level of health literacy is essential for clear communication between patients and health care workers. The internationalization of universities is increasing in the field of health care. The aims of our research were to measure (1) the level of health literacy and its correlation among university students and (2) the relationship between the different instruments measuring health literacy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the 2020/2021 academic year. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic status, study data, health status, and health literacy level. According to the HLS-EU-Q16 health literacy questionnaire, more than half of the students had a limited HL level in disease prevention (52.4%) and health promotion (58.4%) subindexes. Nationality was found to be an influencing factor (p < 0.001). According to the NVS, 80.1% of the students had an adequate HL level. A significant correlation was found between the results and nationality (p = 0.005). None of the Chew questions demonstrated a correlation with nationality (q1 p = 0.269, q2 p = 0.368, q3 p = 0.528). Nationality is a key factor in the level of subjective and functional health literacy. We need to measure both types of levels to see the real results.

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“…Addressing the inequalities in health and health care is important for supporting patients with a low level of health literacy [26]. In Makassar, a city in Indonesia, one study reported on the effectiveness of the precede-proceed education model in improving functional health literacy [27].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health Literacy Among Patients With Stage 2 Hypertension: A Survey in Rural Yogyakarta

Rahmawati¹,

Sastiarini²,

Hakim³

2021

Advances in Health Sciences Research

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Stage 2 hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events and should be treated adequately. Despite the importance of patient health literacy in hypertension management, data from patients living in rural areas are lacking. Objective: This study aimed to measure health literacy levels among patients with stage 2 hypertension in Dlingo subdistrict, Yogyakarta. A crosssectional observational study was conducted in August-September 2019. Participants (N=108) were members of the Posyandu lansia, aged 45 years or more who were diagnosed with stage 2 hypertension at least 6 months before this study began. The Indonesian Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) questionnaire (score range 0-11) and three screening questions (SQs) were used to assess the level of health literacy. All participants had a low level of formal education; none had graduated from junior high school. Most participants (85%) were categorized as having low literacy (REALM score 6). The average REALM score was 2.3 ± 3.3, and 64 patients (59%) had a score of 0. Only 20% of patients felt confident enough to complete health-related forms (SQ1), 77% perceived problems in understanding written materials (SQ2), and 61% needed some assistance for reading health information (SQ3). A higher level of formal education and younger age were associated with a higher REALM score (p<0.05). Inadequate health literacy is common among patients with hypertension living in rural areas. Tailored intervention strategies to increase the understandability of health information are needed.

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“Health literacy assessment of primary care patients in Low and Middle Income Countries”

Cited by 3 publications

References 56 publications

Health literacy level in rural Bayelsa, Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region

Health literacy level in rural Bayelsa, Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region

Understanding Health Literacy among University Health Science Students of Different Nationalities

Health Literacy Among Patients With Stage 2 Hypertension: A Survey in Rural Yogyakarta

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