scholarly journals Health literacy measures are not worse in an urban district high in migration and unemployment compared to a citywide and a national sample

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Putz ◽  
Andreas Patek
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Ethnic Diversity ◽  
General Health ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Target Population ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Migration

Abstract Aim This study aimed at comparing health literacy measures, and their correlates, for the district of Favoriten to those of Vienna and Austria. The Viennese district of Favoriten was of particular interest, due to present characteristics, such as its high cultural and ethnic diversity as well as a relatively high unemployment rate. Subject and methods This study was set up as a cross-sectional, paper-based self-completion random sample survey. For each sample representing Favoriten, Vienna, and Austria, 500 adults were randomly drawn from the population register. Results Out of 1500 surveys sent out, 160 (10.7%) were included in the analysis. Regarding general health literacy, the sample of Favoriten scored highest (33.9; CI 95% 31.5, 36.3), followed by the samples of Austria (32.5; CI 95% 30.9, 34.2) and Vienna (31.5; CI 95% 29.6, 33.4). Higher household income (r = 0.46, p < 0.01), better education (r = 0.31, p = 0.09) and migration status outside the EU (d = −0.56, p = 0.12) showed moderately effect-sized associations to general health literacy in the sample of Favoriten, which was not the case for other characteristics such as age, gender, and employment status. Conclusion In the light of previous studies, reporting on associations of health literacy measures with social determinants, such as migration and employment status, the sample of Favoriten might well have been expected to result in impaired health literacy measures. Our results do not support this assumption, though. Despite the limited external validity of this study, policymakers and practitioners may be advised to design health literacy measures in such a way that specifically reaches out to the socially disadvantaged target population and not focus merely on pertinent districts or regions.

Peculiarities of health literacy in people with mental disorders: A cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Katharina Mantell ◽  
Annika Baumeister ◽  
Hildegard Christ ◽  
Stephan Ruhrmann ◽  
Christiane Woopen
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
General Health ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
German Population ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
General Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Health literacy (HL) is considered a key concept to positively address relevant decisions concerning physical and mental health. According to an integrated model of a European Consortium, the process to access, understand, appraise and apply health information is at the centre of practising HL. Aim: In this study, we examine HL in a population with an early onset of a mental disorder (MD). Methods: Results are based on a cross-sectional survey among people with MD ( n = 310) who sought help at an early detection centre for MD in Cologne, Dresden or Munich. Help-seekers filled out the European Health Literacy Survey questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q) on perception-based HL, socio-demographic data and general health status. Psychopathology was assessed separately by trained specialists. Data are compared with a representative sample of the German population. Results: Overall, HL was lower in a sample with MD compared with the general population. Disease-specific limitations were present in accessing, appraising and applying health information, whereas understanding was perceived fairly easy. Statistical analysis of limited HL revealed correlations with the diagnosis of affective disorders and anxiety disorders, an increase of depressive symptoms as well as the presence of more than one MD. In line with these findings, low levels of HL were associated with a worse general health status. Conclusion: In a population with MD, accessing, appraising and applying health information seemed to be particularly challenging. Therefore, educational programmes that mainly focus on increasing knowledge might not be sufficient for improving the HL in people with MD. Further research should concentrate on context-specific HL to foster behavioural change and improve overall health.

scholarly journals The Impact of Employment Status and Occupation Type on Occupational Stress and General Health of Physically Disabled Employees in Vocational Centers of the State Welfare Organization of Tehran: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-85
Author(s):  
Saeed Ghaneh-Ezabadi ◽  
◽  
Leila Nezamabadi-Farahani ◽  
Kianoush Abdi ◽  
Maral Saadat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Stress ◽  
General Health ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Physical Disabilities ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Disabled ◽  
Disabled Employees ◽  
Part Time

Objective: Disabled people experience worse situation in respect of the stress, health, and socio-demographic indicators than healthy people. Little knowledge is available about the way in which this disadvantage is patterned by employment status and occupation type, especially in employees with physical disabilities. Few studies have investigated the potential effect of employment status and occupation type on general health and occupational stress in physically disabled employees. This study investigated the role of employment status and occupation type and demographic factors in predicting general health and also, examined the relations between occupational stress and general health while adjusting for demographic factors among employees with physical disabilities in vocational centers of the State Welfare Organization in Tehran City, Iran. Materials & Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional design. The study was performed among 273 people with physical disabilities employed in the productive workrooms of vocational rehabilitation centers of Tehran, which were selected via convenience sampling. Data collection tools were Occupational Stress Index (OSI) developed by Belkic (1991) based upon cognitive ergonomics concept to measure the five key potential work-related stressors, Goldberg’s 28-item General Health Questionnaires (GHQ-28) (1979) to detect psychiatric illness as well as current psychological state in the past month and self-administered demographic form. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS software, using the independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression. Results: The Mean±SD age of the physically disabled employees was 33.65 (3.76) years. Most of them were aged 30 to 39 years. (55.2%), men (60.4%), married (60.4%), with part-time employment (67%) and engaged in productive affairs (30%). The relationship between general health and occupational stress with gender and marital status was found to be significant (P<0.05). Women and married subjects had more occupational stress. Moreover, there were significant differences in general health and occupational stress subscales regarding employment status (P<0.05). Part-time employees were exposed to more stressful physical conditions and accidents at work than others, causing a higher level of occupational stress. In addition, employees who were engaged in art-related jobs had higher rate of time pressure, problems and decision-making situations in their workplace, hence, overall more occupational stress. Multiple linear regression analyses were then performed on data to identify general health predictors while adjusting for demographic variables. Age had a significant independent direct effect on enhanced somatic symptoms (β=0.16). Disabled women had a higher score of somatic symptoms than men (β=1.97). Furthermore, part-time employment was directly related to somatic and depression symptoms (β=1.26 and 1.51). Productive works were significantly associated with a higher level of somatic symptoms, anxiety, insomnia and depression symptoms (β=1.28, 1.53 and 1.95, respectively). Therefore, being female, employing as a part-time worker and working in productive affairs were significant predictors of somatic and depressive symptoms in physically disabled employees. Moreover, the physical condition of the workplace, workplace problems and decision-making situations were positively related to somatic symptoms (β=0.7, 0.13 and 0.14, respectively). In overall, 49% of the variance in somatic symptoms (the best model fit) could be explained by independent variables. Conclusion: Employment status and occupation type are significantly related to occupational stress, which in turn, causes general health disparities among people with physical disabilities. With respect to the higher level of somatic symptoms and depression in part-time employees, it seems that changing their employment status to full-time, can reduce their stress load and improve their health. In addition, women and married subjects experience more occupational stress and have more somatic symptoms

scholarly journals Lower Wages of Nurses in Long-Term Care: Does Racial and Ethnic Diversity Explain the Difference?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 70-70
Author(s):  
Joanne Spetz ◽  
Laura Wagner ◽  
Timothy Bates
Keyword(s):  
Registered Nurses ◽  
Ethnic Diversity ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Labor Union ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Union Status

Abstract Registered nurses (RNs) are a key component of the long-term care (LTC) workforce and prior research demonstrates their importance to ensuring patient safety in LTC settings. RNs who work in LTC settings earn less than those who work in hospitals and also are more likely to be from racial and ethnic minority groups. This study seeks to measure wage differences between Registered Nurses (RNs) working in LTC and other settings (e.g., hospitals) and whether differences are associated with the characteristics of the RN workforce between and within settings. We used the 2018 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN) public-use file to examine RN employment and earnings. Our study population included a sample of 15,373 employed RNs who provided patient care. Characteristics such as race/ethnicity, type of RN degree completed, census region, and union status were included in bivariate analyses and multiple regression analyses to examine the effect of these characteristics on wages. Logistic regression was used to predict RN employment in LTC settings. We found that RNs in LTC experienced lower wages compared to those in non-LTC settings, yet this difference was not associated with racial/ethnic or international educational differences. LTC nurses were also significantly less likely to be represented by a labor union, and there was not a statistically significant wage difference for LTC RNs who were unionized. Because RNs in LTC earn lower wages than RNs in other settings, policies to minimize pay inequities are needed to support the RN workforce caring for frail older adults.

scholarly journals Horizontal inequity in self-reported morbidity and untreated morbidity in India: Evidence from National Sample Survey Data

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Veenapani Rajeev Verma ◽  
Umakant Dash
Keyword(s):  
National Sample ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Horizontal Inequity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Decomposition Approach ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Healthcare Surveys ◽  
Sample Survey Data ◽  
Policy Objectives ◽  
Concentration Indices

Abstract Background Health outcomes in India are characterized by pervasive inequities due to deeply entrenched socio-economic gradients amongst the population. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate these systematic disparities in health, however, evidence of inequities does not commensurate with its policy objectives in India. Thus, our paper aims to examine the magnitude of and trends in horizontal inequities in self-reported morbidity and untreated morbidity in India over the period of 2004 to 2017–18. Methods The study used cross-sectional data from nationwide healthcare surveys conducted in 2004, 2014 and 2017–18 encompassing sample size of 3,85,055; 3,35,499 and 5,57,887 individuals respectively. Erreygers concentration indices were employed to discern the magnitude and trend in horizontal inequities in self-reported morbidity and untreated morbidity. Need standardized concentration indices were further used to unravel the inter-regional and intra-regional income related inequities in outcomes of interest. Additionally, regression based decomposition approach was applied to ascertain the contributions of both legitimate and illegitimate factors in the measured inequalities. Results Estimates were indicative of profound inequities in self-reported morbidity as inequity indices were positive and significant for all study years, connoting better-off reporting more morbidity, given their needs. These inequities however, declined marginally from 2004(HI: 0.049, p< 0.01) to 2017–18(HI: 0.045, P< 0.01). Untreated morbidity exhibited pro-poor inequities with negative concentration indices. Albeit, significant reduction in horizontal inequity was found from 2004(HI= − 0.103, p< 0.01) to 2017–18(HI = − 0.048, p< 0.01) in treatment seeking over the years. The largest contribution of inequality for both outcomes stemmed from illegitimate variables in all the study years. Our findings also elucidated inter-state heterogeneities in inequities with high-income states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and West Bengal evincing inequities greater than all India estimates and Northeastern states divulged equity in reporting morbidity. Inequities in untreated morbidity converged for most states except in Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh where widening of inequities were observed from 2004 to 2017–18. Conclusions Pro-rich and pro-poor inequities in reported and untreated morbidities respectively persisted from 2004 to 2017–18 despite reforms in Indian healthcare. Magnitude of these inequities declined marginally over the years. Health policy in India should strive for targeted interventions closing inequity gap.

scholarly journals Health literacy among first-generation Italian immigrants in Norway

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Terragni ◽  
G Calogiuri ◽  
H Finbråten
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
General Health ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Education Level ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Italian Immigrants

Abstract Background People with an immigration background often have poorer health than the general population. Italians in Norway have tripled throughout the past 15-years, but little is known about their health. Health literacy (HL) has been emerging as a fundamental construct in enabling citizens to play an active role in improving their own and theirs community's health. The objective of our study was i) to describe HL among first-generation Italian immigrants in Norway, ii) examine the association between HL and health-related empowerment, and iii) compare HL in Italian immigrants with the general Norwegian population's. Methods The data was retrieved from a cross-sectional survey (n = 321) conducted within the study Mens Sana in Corpore Sano (inclusion criteria: age ≥18 years, living in Norway permanently, having lived in Italy at least until age 16). HL was measured using the short form of the European Health literacy survey questionnaire (HLS-Q12; α = 0.83). Empowerment was assessed using a 4-items scale (α = 0.73), developed on basis the World Health Organization's definition of individual empowerment and aspects of patient empowerment. Additionally, information about gender, age, educational level, and self-rated health was collected. Results Preliminary results indicated that 8% had inadequate HL, whereas about 40% had marginal HL. No significant differences in HL were observed in relation to gender, age, education level or general health. A medium correlation was found between HL and empowerment (r = 0.42, p &lt; 0.001). The Italian's HL was significantly lower than the general Norwegian population's (M±SD = 32.46±4.79 and 33.11 ± 4.12, respectively; p = 0.028). Conclusions This is the first study investigating HL and its associations with the health-related empowerment of first-generation Italian immigrants in Norway. More research is needed in order to better understand this phenomenon as well as the effectiveness of HL-enhancing initiatives. Key messages We investigated the levels of health literacy and health-related empowerment among first-generation Italian immigrants in Norway. The Italians’ heath literacy, which correlated with empowerment, was lower than the general Norwegian population’s. There were no differences across gender, age, education level or general health.

scholarly journals Climate Change and Migration: Adapting to Crisis

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Surendra Singh ◽  
Alka Singh ◽  
C. B. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Grass Root ◽  
Level Information ◽  
Permanent Migration ◽  
And Migration

The present study is attempted to identify the determinants of migration in India. The National Sample Survey data of 64th round (July 2007-June 2008) was used and decoded to elicit household-level information. A multi-criteria approach was adapted to the analysis of the data. The study’s findings revealed that about 70% of migrated people are illiterate, while 57% of migrated people were agricultural laborers. The multi-criteria analysis results for permanent migration revealed that farmers belong to the rural area, having a land size less than two hectares, belonging to the Hindu religion, are likely to migrate permanently. Also, illiteracy, marital status, low consumption expenditure in rural areas, rainfall, and minimum temperature motivate farmer’s decision to adopt migration as an ultimate coping strategy against climate change. As far as grass-root policy interventions are concern, it is suggested that in rural areas, where unemployment has the main driver for migration, a proactive social protection programme, i.e., MGNREGA can be part of a proactive approach to managing climate-induced migration. Climate change as a cause of migration is uncertain and contextual. This necessitates the inclusivity of local populations in decision-making wherein their perceptions and responses are democratically represented and not merely channeled into participatory processes.

scholarly journals Employment Status and Health Literacy in Denmark: A Population-Based Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida W. Svendsen ◽  
Maria B. Damgaard ◽  
Carsten K. Bak ◽  
Henrik Bøggild ◽  
Christian Torp-Pedersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Unemployment Benefit ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Population Groups ◽  
Retirement Pension ◽  
Inadequate Health Literacy

Objectives: Examining whether specific population groups who are not working and those who have an employment have the same health literacy level.Methods: Data were retrieved from a nationally representative cross-sectional study of the Danish population conducted with the health literacy questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) in 2016 and 2017. Socio-demographic characteristics were drawn from national registers. Odds ratio for the association between employment status and health literacy was estimated from logistic regression models, adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics. Probability weights were used to adjust for differences in responses.Results: Logistic regression analyses showed that receiving unemployment benefits, social assistance, employment and support allowance, retirement pension and sickness benefit were significantly associated with having inadequate health literacy compared to being employed in any industry. The highest odds ratio for inadequate health literacy was present for receiving unemployment benefit OR = 1.78 (95% CI: 1.23–2.56).Conclusion: Population groups not working and receiving economic public support have higher odds of inadequate health literacy competencies compared to those active in the labor force, considering age and socioeconomic factors. The result contributes to understanding health disparities in connection to occupational situation.

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