scholarly journals Generic health literacy of adolescents in Germany: Results of a nationwide cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Jordan ◽  
OM Domanska ◽  
AK Loer
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Abstract Background For developing effective interventions to promote health literacy in adolescence, differentiated data on the distribution of health literacy levels is required, but still lacking for this age group in many countries. The study aims to measure the distribution of generic health literacy (GHL) among adolescents addressing cognitive, behavioural, communicative and motivational dimensions of GHL. Methods We conducted a representative nationwide cross-sectional online survey among 14-17-year-olds living in Germany (n = 1,235). Data on GHL were collected from 09.2019-12.2019 using the “Measurement of Health Literacy Among Adolescents”-Questionnaire (MOHLAA-Q). It was specially developed for this age-group and consists of a total of 29 items in four subscales: A: “Difficulties in Dealing with Health-Related Information”, B: “Health-Related Communication Skills”, C: “Attitudes toward One's Own Health & Health Information” and D: “Health-Related Knowledge”. We also collected data on socio-demographic factors. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out. Results About half of the 14-17-year-olds reported many (8.4%) or some difficulties (42.2%) in dealing with health information. We observed low communication-related skills in 28.1% of adolescents. Regarding the attitude towards their own health and health information, 56.8% of respondents had a rather “partly passive/partly active” attitude and 8.8% had a “passive” attitude. 22.7% of the adolescents had a low level of health-related knowledge. All socio-demographic factors apart from age showed significant differences in each of the scales: by family affluence in all scales, by gender and by educational level in 3 scales and by migration background in 1 scale. Conclusions The results indicate a need for promoting GHL among adolescents. The differences in the four scales suggest that all dimensions of GHL should be addressed, but also considering socio-demographic factors at the same time.

scholarly journals Associations of Health Literacy, Social Media Use, Self-efficacy and Health Information Seeking Intentions among Chinese Social Media Users (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaomeng Niu ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
Jessica Willoughby ◽  
Ze Li ◽  
Rongting Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Behavioral Intentions ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND Empirical research has demonstrated that people frequently use social media for gathering and sharing online health information. Health literacy, social media use, and self-efficacy are important factors that may influence people’s health behaviors online. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the associations between health literacy, health-related social media use, self-efficacy and health behavioral intentions online. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Chinese adults aged 18 and above (N = 449) to examine predictors of health-related behavioral intentions online including health literacy, social media use, and self-efficacy. Hayes’ PROCESS macro was used to analyze the mediation and moderation models. RESULTS Two moderated mediation models were constructed. Self-efficacy mediated the effects of health literacy (Bindirect=0.213, 95% CI: 0.101 to 0.339) and social media use (Bindirect=0.023, 95% CI: 0.008 to 0.045) on health behavioral intentions on social media. Age moderated the effects of health literacy on self-efficacy (P=.029), while previous experience moderated the effects of social media use on self-efficacy (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Health literacy and health-related social media use influenced health behavioral intentions on social media via their prior effects on self-efficacy. The association between health literacy and self-efficacy was stronger among younger respondents, whereas the association between health-related social media use and self-efficacy was stronger among those who previously had positive experiences with health information on social media. Health practitioners should target self-efficacy among older population and increase positive media experience related to health. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals A validation study of the Norwegian version of the Health Literacy Questionnaire: A robust nine-dimension factor model

2020 ◽  
pp. 140349482092642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid K. Wahl ◽  
Åsmund Hermansen ◽  
Richard H. Osborne ◽  
Marie Hamilton Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Norwegian Version ◽  
Health Literacy Questionnaire

Objective: This study aimed to undertake a rigorous psychometric evaluation of the nine-scale Norwegian version of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) based on data from a sample of people with psoriasis. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 825 adults with psoriasis who previously participated in the Norwegian Climate Heliotherapy programme. To investigate the factorial validity of the Norwegian HLQ, confirmatory factor analyses were carried out using Stata. Results: A highly restricted model fit with no cross-loadings or correlated residuals was acceptable for three of the nine scales (‘Feeling understood and supported by health-care providers’, ‘Appraisal of health information’ and ‘Ability to find good health information’). After minor model adjustments of the other scales, one-factor models were acceptable. All scales showed acceptable internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.71 to 0.87. Except for three items, all items had high to acceptable factor loadings. Conclusions: This study of the Norwegian HLQ replicates the original factor structure of the Australian HLQ, indicating the questionnaire has cogent and independent scales with good reliability. Researchers, programme implementers and policymakers could use the Norwegian version of the HLQ with confidence to generate reliable information on health literacy for different purposes.

scholarly journals A cross sectional study of behavioral problems of secondary school children and related socio-demographic factors

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 2760
Author(s):  
Monika S. Masare ◽  
Seema S. Bansode-Gokhe ◽  
Seema S. Bansode-Gokhe ◽  
R. R. Shinde ◽  
R. R. Shinde
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Physical Growth ◽  
Abnormal Behavior ◽  
Behavioural Problems ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Background: School-going children form an important vulnerable segment of the nation’s population. Children in the school-going age group of 5 to 16 years constitute a total of 30% of the total population. School age is a dynamic period of physical growth and development, when the child undergoes rapid mental, emotional, and social changes. Therefore, school-going children are susceptible groups for psychiatric disorders especially behavioural problems. The present research was carried out with an objective to study the behavioural problems of secondary school children and its relation to the various socio-demographic and socio-economic factors.Methods: This cross sectional observational study was conducted on 304 secondary school children studying in 8th and 9th standard in the regarding socio-demographic profile and Strength and difficulties questionnaire. The analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software.Results: In this study, the prevalence of abnormal behavioral according to self-rated SDQ was found to be 1.6% while prevalence of borderline abnormal behavior was 11.2% and majority 87.2% of study subjects were normal having no behavioral problem. The combined borderline and abnormal behavioral problems were more prevalent in the age group of 12-13year (64.1%) and 13-14 years (30.8%), also more prevalent among girls (69.2%) compared to boys (30.8%). The prevalence of behavioral problems was higher among students studying in 9th standard (74.4%, 29/39) and studying in Hindi medium (61.5%). The incidence was found to be more in students who belongs to nuclear families (79.5%) and also was more among those who were first born compared to middle born and last born children. Majority of fathers were working as semiskilled (41.4%) and skilled (32.9%) workers, among the father’s alcohol users (45.06%) were high compared to the tobacco users (31.9%).Conclusions: Socio-demographic factors and occupation of father and alcohol consumption among them was found to be significantly associated with the behavioural problems of the study subjects.

scholarly journals Study of socio-demographic factors causing interruption of anti-tuberculosis treatment in DOTS centre in Warangal district of Telangana State

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. 4107
Author(s):  
Tagaram Ramchandra ◽  
N. Pragathi Kumar ◽  
Niharika Lakkoju
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Family ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tribal Area ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
Tribal Areas

Background: Tuberculosis has existed for millennia and remains a major global health problem. It causes ill-health in millions of people each year and in 2015 it was one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Understanding the specific reasons for unsuccessful outcomes is important to improve the treatment system. This present study was carried out to find out the effects of socio-demographic factors on TB defaulters under DOTS centre in Warangal District, Telangana state.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried among 103 defaulters of TB patients in 3 TB units (TU) Warangal (urban), Ragunathapally (rural) and Eturunagaram (tribal) out of 7 TB units in Warangal district, attached to District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC) from January 2016 to June 2016 by interview technique utilising a pretested and structured questionnaire to collect the data. Statistical analysis: Percentages, proportions and chi-square test were applied whenever necessary.Results: In present study, males (35%) were more than females (7.8%) and 42.8% were in the age group of 40-55 years, followed by 28.1% were 26-39 years age group. Majority of defaulters were in nuclear family (77.7%) followed by joint family (21.3%). Cost of travel as a reason for default of treatment was seen more in tribal area (16.5%) than rural (12.6%) and urban (4.8%) TUs. The TB patients residing in tribal areas are more prone to default, an important reason being the distance needed to travel to the closest health facility, availability and the need to travel by public transport.Conclusions: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease which has a devastating impact on the economic wellbeing of individual and their families. Most of the defaulters were illiterates residing in tribal area. Cost of travel as a reason for default of treatment was seen more in tribal TU 17(16.5%) than urban and rural TUs.

scholarly journals Levels and Determinants of Health Literacy in Bahrain’s Community Context

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. e195-e195
Author(s):  
G. V. Asokan ◽  
Mohamed Yaqoob Ali Yusuf ◽  
Richard Kirubakaran ◽  
Abdulaziz Mohamed Muqbel Albadwi ◽  
Ahmed Ebrahim Saad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Community Context ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
General Physician ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Self Rating

Objectives: We sought to assess health literacy (HL) and its associated factors in the Bahraini community using a validated HL scale and address its deficient domains to inform policy. Methods: We carried out a conveniently sampled, cross-sectional survey using the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale in the Bahraini community. The scale has three key aspects: basic or functional HL (FUN-4 items), which corresponds to basic reading and writing skills, and knowledge of health conditions and health systems; communicative or interactive HL (COM-3 items) on communicative and social skills to extract information from different forms of communication; and critical HL (CR-4 items), the advanced cognitive and social skills to critically analyze information and exert greater control over life events and situations relating to individual and community level wellbeing goals. We examined the association between sociodemographic and health information for the survey tool items using the chi-square test. The relationship between total scale score and subscale scores of the three domains of the survey tool to sociodemographic and health information was investigated using the t-test and ANOVA. Results: Of the 836 participants (mean age = 26.6 years), single (64.0%) and university students (76.6%) were predominant; 15.6% reported long-term sickness and visited the general physician often. The highest mean item scores were for empowerment (1.8) and lowest for functional HL (0.1). The significant domain-specific responses to the survey tool items were 12 for critical HL, 10 for functional HL, six for communicative HL, and five for empowerment. Participants aged < 30 years old, female, married, pursuing/completed Master’s program, employed, and whose self-rating of health was excellent had higher total HL scores. Conclusions: Older, less educated respondents with a poor self-rating of health had low HL scores. We recommend further studies to address the relative importance of functional, interactive, and critical HL in the community to promote health outcomes.

scholarly journals Health literacy levels of British adults: a cross-sectional survey using two domains of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ)

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Simpson ◽  
Emma Knowles ◽  
Alicia O’Cathain
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Literacy Questionnaire

Abstract Background A person’s health literacy determines whether they are able to make appropriate health decisions and are able to follow treatment instructions. This is important because low health literacy is associated with mortality and extra costs to the healthcare system. Our aim was to describe the health literacy levels of British adults using a nationally representative population survey, and show how health literacy levels vary by population characteristics. Methods A population based cross-sectional survey including questions from two domains from the Health Literacy Questionnaire™: 1) Understanding health information well enough to know what to do, and 2) Ability to actively engage with health care providers. Both domains are made up of 5 Likert style questions with 5 levels ranging from ‘cannot do or always difficult’ (1) to ‘always easy’ (5). The survey was conducted by NatCen in Britain (2018) as part of the annual British Social Attitudes survey. We used weighted descriptive analyses and regression to explore the relationship between population characteristics and health literacy. Weighted analyses were used to ensure the sample was representative of the British population. Results A total of 2309 responded to the questionnaire. The mean score for ‘understanding information’ was 3.98 (95% CI: 3.94, 4.02) and for ‘ability to engage’ was 3.83 (95% CI: 3.80, 3.87), where 5 is the highest score. 19.4% had some level of difficulty reading and understanding written health information, and 23.2% discussing health concerns with health care providers. The adjusted logistic regression for ‘understanding information’ showed that those with lower health literacy were more likely to be in the most socially deprived quintile (OR 2.500 95% CI: 1.180, 5.296), have a limiting health condition or disability (OR 4.326 95% CI: 2.494, 7.704), and have no educational qualifications (OR 7.588 95% CI: 3.305, 17.422). This was similar for the ‘ability to engage’ domain. Conclusions This study described the distribution of health literacy levels for the British population in 2018. Interventions to improve health literacy will best be targeted at those with lower levels of education, those living in the most deprived areas, and those with a limiting health condition or disability.

THE PREVALENCE OF, AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH, OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN BOTSWANA

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
GOBOPAMANG LETAMO
Keyword(s):  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Important Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
Multistage Sampling

SummaryThe aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of, and socio-demographic factors associated with, overweight and obesity in Botswana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2007 using a multistage sampling method to select a representative sample of 4107 men and 4916 women aged 20–49 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity. Mean BMI values for men and women were 21.7 kg/m2 and 24.4 kg/m2, respectively. Both overweight and obesity levels were higher among women than men. Overall, 23% of women were overweight compared with 13% of men. Obese women constituted about 15% compared with only 3% of men. However, 19% of men were underweight compared with 12% of women. The main socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity were being older, living in a city/town, being married and having attained higher levels of education, and these relationships were statistically significant at the 5% level. Although over-nutrition is prevalent among adult female Batswana, underweight remains an important public health problem for males. Programmes and other interventions aimed at concurrently addressing both under-nutrition and overweight need to be developed.

scholarly journals Assessing how health information needs of individuals with colorectal cancer are met across the care continuum: an international cross-sectional survey

BMC Cancer ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hallie Dau ◽  
Abdollah Safari ◽  
Khalid Saad El Din ◽  
Helen McTaggart-Cowan ◽  
Jonathan M. Loree ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Nutrition And Diet ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Multivariable Regression Models

Abstract Background Studies evaluating health information needs in colorectal cancer (CRC) lack specificity in terms of study samples involving patients. We assessed how health information needs of individuals with CRC are met across the care continuum. Methods We administered an international, online based survey. Participants were eligible for the study if they: 1) were 18 years of age or older; 2) received a diagnosis of CRC; and 3) were able to complete the online health survey in English, French, Spanish, or Mandarin. We grouped participants according to treatment status. The survey comprised sections: 1) demographic and cancer characteristics; 2) health information needs; and 3) health status and quality of life. We used multivariable regression models to identify factors associated with having health information needs met and evaluated impacts on health-related outcomes. Results We analyzed survey responses from 1041 participants including 258 who were currently undergoing treatment and 783 who had completed treatment. Findings suggest that information needs regarding CRC treatments were largely met. However, we found unmet information needs regarding psychosocial impacts of CRC. This includes work/employment, mental health, sexual activity, and nutrition and diet. We did not identify significant predictors of having met health information needs, however, among participants undergoing treatment, those with colon cancer were more likely to have met health information needs regarding their treatments as compared to those with rectal cancer (0.125, 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.25, p-value = 0.051). Conclusions Our study provides a comprehensive assessment of health information needs among individuals with CRC across the care continuum.

scholarly journals Assessing How Health Information Needs of Individuals With Colorectal Cancer Are Met Across the Care Continuum: an International Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hallie Dau ◽  
Abdollah Safari ◽  
Khalid Saad El Din ◽  
Helen McTaggart-Cowan ◽  
Jonathan M. Loree ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Nutrition And Diet ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Survey Responses

Abstract Background: Studies evaluating health information needs in colorectal cancer (CRC) lack specificity in terms of study samples involving patients. We assessed how health information needs of individuals with CRC are met across the care continuum.Methods: We administered an international, online based survey. Participants were eligible for the study if they: 1) were 18 years of age or older; 2) received a diagnosis of CRC; and 3) were able to complete the online health survey in English, French, Spanish, or Mandarin. We grouped participants according to treatment status. The survey comprised sections: 1) demographic and cancer characteristics; 2) health information needs; and 3) health status and quality of life. We used multivariable regression models to identify factors associated with having health information needs met and evaluated impacts on health-related outcomes.Results: We analyzed survey responses from 1,041 participants including 258 who were currently undergoing treatment and 783 who had completed treatment. Findings suggest that information needs regarding CRC treatments were largely met. However, we found unmet information needs regarding psychosocial impacts of CRC. This includes work/employment, mental health, sexual activity, and nutrition and diet. We did not identify significant predictors of having met health information needs, however, among participants undergoing treatment, those with colon cancer were more likely to have met health information needs regarding their treatments as compared to those with rectal cancer (0.125; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.25; p-value = 0.051). Conclusions: Our study provides a comprehensive assessment of health information needs among individuals with CRC across the care continuum.

scholarly journals Cyberchondria, Uncertainty, and Psychological Distress among Omanis during COVID-19: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khloud Al Dameery ◽  
Mohammed Quteshat ◽  
Ibtisam Al Harthy ◽  
Atika Khalaf
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Population Policy ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: Frequent surfing on the internet for self-diagnosis and treatment in association with quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic leaves people with uncertainty and psychological distress. The aim was to explore the relationship between cyberchondria, psychological distress, and uncertainty in Oman. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was designed. Data was collected through an online survey from 393 Omani participants using the short-form version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted.Results: The majority of the participants were aged between 18-26 and 45-54 years (32.8% and 30.8% respectively). Almost three-quarters of the participants were female (n= 291, 74%) and half were single (n= 218, 55.5%). No significant associations were found between cyberchondria and the socio-demographic factors or the COVID-19 status. However, significant positive fair correlation was found between cyberchondriac experiences and psychological distress (rs =0.373), and cyberchondria and uncertainty (rs = 0.442).Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind investigating the relationship between cyberchondria, physiological distress, and uncertainty in the Omani population. Policy makers and stakeholders are encouraged to facilitate the reporting and observation of accurate and up-to-date information distributed to the population to avoid misleading information, and thus reduce the distress and uncertainty related to cyberchondriac behaviors.

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