Social determinants of health literacy: a cross-sectional exploratory study

Abstract

Despite the importance of health literacy to health-promoting behaviors, few studies have assessed the social determinants of health literacy in a random sample of individuals from the USA. The study evaluated the association of sociodemographic factors with individual health literacy levels. This cross-sectional web-based observational study utilized the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ), a multidimensional instrument measuring nine areas of literacy. Multivariate regression results revealed several factors associated with HLQ scores such as self-rated health rating, frequency of visits to healthcare providers, smoking, gender and rural versus urban residence. Low health literacy was associated with lower self-rated overall health and with less frequent visits to healthcare providers. Males scored higher on engaging with health providers, navigating, understanding the health system and understanding health information well enough to know what to do. These findings can guide healthcare professionals to focus on individuals from groups having lower health literacy scores to promote healthy behaviors.

Health literacy and its association with mental and spiritual well-being among women experiencing homelessness

“…age, using a mobile phone, using the Internet, experiencing homelessness for ≥ 5 years or having a college/university education) and the HL outcome. These findings contradict earlier research which suggests that variables such as age ( Dolezel and Hewitt, 2023 ), education ( Stormacq et al ., 2019 ) and access to digital technology (e.g. mobile phones and the Internet) ( Bailey et al ., 2015 ) may impact HL among housed populations.…”

“…The present study contributes novel insights about the impact of HL on psychological distress from the perspective of women experiencing homelessness. This differs from prior studies which have tended to focus on aggregated samples of people experiencing homelessness ( Odoh et al ., 2019 ), or the link between HL and more general measures of self-rated health among housed populations ( Aaby et al ., 2017 ; Storey et al ., 2020 ; Dolezel and Hewitt, 2023 ). These prior studies are not generalisable to women experiencing homelessness, but similar to our findings, the studies showed positive associations between HL and self-rated health ( Aaby et al ., 2017 ; Storey et al ., 2020 ; Dolezel and Hewitt, 2023 ).…”

“…Earlier research on the social determinants of HL recommends multicomponent interventions to improve HL and health status ( Dolezel and Hewitt, 2023 ). Recommended interventions to promote HL include adult education, support groups, e-health online resources and specifically interventions to improve patient-provider interactions through social and literacy support that enables patients to develop self-efficacy and reinforce healthy behaviours ( Dolezel and Hewitt, 2023 ). While these interventions may prove effective for the general population, the Women’s Advisory Board for Inclusion Health underscored a more nuanced perspective based on their lived experiences.…”