Improving health literacy in a Japanese community population—A pilot study to develop an educational programme

Abstract

ObjectiveAlthough a growing number of interventional studies on health literacy have been conducted recently, the majority were designed in clinical settings, focusing mainly on functional health literacy. This study evaluated a programme designed to improve health literacy in a community population, with a scope of going beyond functional health literacy.MethodsIn collaboration with an Approved Specified Nonprofit organization (NPO), we evaluated a five‐session programme designed to provide basic knowledge on health‐care policy and systems, current issues in health care in Japan, patient roles and relationships with health‐care providers and interpersonal skills. In total, 67 of 81 programme participants agreed to participate in the study, and 54 returned the completed questionnaires at baseline and at follow‐up. Health literacy and trust in the medical profession were measured at baseline and at follow‐up. Participants’ learning through the programme was qualitatively analysed by thematic analysis.ResultsQuantitative examinations of the changes in health literacy and degree of trust in medical professionals between the baseline and follow‐up suggested that health literacy significantly improved after implementing the programme. The thematic analysis of participants’ learning throughout the programme suggested that they not only acquired knowledge and skills but also experienced a shift in their beliefs and behaviours.DiscussionProviding individuals who are motivated to learn about health‐care systems and collaborate with health‐care providers with the necessary knowledge and skills may improve their health literacy, which could enable them to maintain and promote their health and that of their family and other people around them.

Personality and health literacy among community‐dwelling older adults living in Japan

“…Individuals with a high economic status are more likely to have the advantage that they can easily use equipment to collect health information and that they can easily access the healthcare system. It is expected that the health literacy of the general population would improve through the use of health information and interaction with healthcare providers 44 …”

The Level of Health Literacy of Seniors Living in Eastern Region of Poland. Preliminary Study

“…Improving people’s health literacy is one of the most basic, effective, and economic measures to improve the health of the whole population [ 9 , 22 ]. Improved HL levels contribute to increased health outcomes, well-being, and reduced health inequalities [ 39 ].…”

“…Many studies have shown that low levels of HL are of prognostic importance for various negative health effects [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. It is also related to higher health care costs [ 8 , 9 ]. Research shows that a lower degree of health knowledge is associated with poorer mental and physical health [ 8 ] and adverse health behaviours such as: lower ability to take care of oneself [ 10 ], higher percentage of avoidable hospitalisations [ 6 , 11 ], and less frequent use of preventive health services [ 12 , 13 ].…”

“…People with low levels of HL are less likely to benefit from screening, and have considerable difficulty in understanding their disease, their treatment plan, and especially the treatment of chronic diseases [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Low HL is also associated with higher mortality and lower levels of care satisfaction [ 1 , 9 ].…”

Emergency Department Discharge Outcome and Psychiatric Consultation in North African Patients

“…These findings point to the need to develop healthcare literacy programs targeting ED use. A number of community-based strategies for increasing health literacy have proven effective [ 29 , 30 ]. A possible approach for a comprehensive intervention that are hoped to increase patient engagement is the use of the social-ecological model [ 31 ].…”