scholarly journals Gender-specific health literacy of individuals with a migrant background: A mixed-method approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Aldin ◽  
D Chakraverty ◽  
A Baumeister ◽  
I Monsef ◽  
T Jakob ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The project “Gender-specific health literacy in individuals with a migrant background (GLIM)” (German Federal Ministry of Education and Research; 01GL1723) aims to provide a comprehensive overview of international research and evidence on aspects of gender and migration related to health literacy. It encompasses primary and secondary research using a mixed-methods approach. Methods In a first step, we systematically review the available quantitative and qualitative evidence: in the first quantitative review, we meta-analyse the evidence on gender differences in health literacy of migrants. The second quantitative review assesses the effectiveness of interventions for improving health literacy in female and male migrants. The third review summarises qualitative evidence to assess factors associated with gender and migration that may play a role in the design, delivery, and effectiveness of such interventions. In a second step, we conduct primary research by performing focus group discussions (FGDs) with health care providers who regularly work with different migrant groups in order to explore their perspectives on the challenges and needs of migrants in the German health care system. Results To date, we identified 163 relevant references after screening of 17,932 references, for all reviews combined. Various health literacy interventions and measurement tools exist and require critical evaluation. The FGDs yielded hints to factors that a) influence gender differences in the health literacy of migrants (e.g. masculinity norms preventing Mediterranean men from consulting psychotherapists) or b) limit systemic health literacy (e.g. lack of translators). Conclusions Results from the FGDs can provide insights into the processes underlying the results of the reviews. However, despite increasing research, summarising the available evidence is highly challenging, as there are no universal definitions of the key concepts health literacy and migrant background. Key messages This is an interdisciplinary project, combining quantitative and qualitative evidence to provide maximum value to health policy and decision-making for the health care and health literacy of migrants. Research on gender-, and migration-specific aspects of health literacy is of great importance for the development and delivery of effective interventions for improving migrants’ health literacy.

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-176
Author(s):  
Jongpil Cheon ◽  
Sungwon Shin ◽  
Steven M. Crooks

This case presents the design and implementation process of multimedia case-based learning modules for a Sex and Gender Specific Health (SGSH) education curriculum. The learning modules were designed to advance understanding of sex and gender differences, increase awareness of gender-specific health issues, and improve clinical knowledge of sex and gender evidence-based medicine. This paper describes the three phases of the project. In the first phase of planning, five diseases actively examined in the medical field were chosen to address sex and gender differences, and the instructional development team specifically adapted a case-based learning framework to provide more authentic and interprofessional learning op-portunities for health science trainees. In the second phase, learning modules were structured with multiple revisions incorporating multimedia case-based learning strategies, such as case movie trailers, expert guides, and case solutions. In the third phase, a number of decisions regarding module interface, case videos, and server management were made. Throughout the phases, the instructional designers resolved a number of issues, such as communication with subject matter experts (SMEs), consistency of learning materials, copyright, case movie production tool, closed captioning, server configuration, and dissemination. The design process and challenges described in this paper would be useful for others developing similar instructional materials in a healthcare environment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Chakraverty ◽  
A Baumeister ◽  
A Aldin ◽  
I Monsef ◽  
T Jakob ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Health literacy, defined as all skills and capabilities that enable a person to access, understand, appraise and apply health information, is a key factor regarding disease management, health outcomes, and health-decision-making. Internationally, migrants have been identified as a high-risk group for limited health literacy. However, it remains unclear if female and male migrants process health information differently. This systematic review aims to analyze gender differences in the health literacy of first and second generation migrants. Methods We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched OVID (MEDLINE), PsychInfo and CINAHL for original articles providing extractable data on the health literacy of male and/or female migrants. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts and full text articles for according to predefined inclusion criteria, including the use of a validated health literacy measurement tool, applying it to first and/or second generation adult migrants. We adapted a data extraction sheet from the Cochrane Collaboration for extracting relevant data. The included studies were evaluated against a standardized set of quality criteria. Results Our search yielded 3411 records. We included 48 studies, of which 37 were conducted in the USA and Canada, with 22 focusing Hispanic and Asian immigrants’ functional health literacy; the nine European studies examined a variety of work migrants and refugees using a comprehensive approach (e.g. measured by the HLS-EU-Q47). Thus, a strong heterogeneity in defining and measuring health literacy and in the populations examined can be stated. 15 studies exclusively examined the health literacy of women; none dealt with men only. Conclusions The heterogeneity in defining and measuring health literacy in migrants as well as the diversity of the populations studied make it difficult to compare international research in this area. There is a lack of research focusing male migrants. Key messages International research on health literacy with gender-specific data on migrants reveals a strong heterogeneity in defining and measuring health literacy. International research on health literacy with gender-specific data on migrants reveals a lack of studies regarding male migrants’ health literacy.


Author(s):  
Digo Chakraverty ◽  
Annika Baumeister ◽  
Angela Aldin ◽  
Tina Jakob ◽  
Ümran Sema Seven ◽  
...  

Health literacy can be described as a complex process shaped by individual resources and preferences and by the nature and quality of health-related information people encounter. The main objective of this study was to explore the views of health care professionals on how gender as a personal determinant of health literacy affected their interactions with migrant patients. The interrelated challenges, needs and applied solutions were analyzed from a health literacy perspective. Five focus group discussions with health care professionals working with migrants (n = 31) were conducted in Cologne, Germany, audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Gender-specific aspects, such as the gender of health care providers as a factor, were portrayed above all in relation to patients from Turkey and Arab countries regarding access to and understanding of health-related information. These statements exclusively represent the possibly biased or assumptions-based perspectives of health care professionals on their migrant patients and were made against the background of a systemic lack of time and the challenge of overcoming language barriers. Especially in this context, reducing time pressure and improving communication in the treatment setting may be to the benefit of all actors within healthcare.


Author(s):  
Angela Aldin ◽  
Digo Chakraverty ◽  
Annika Baumeister ◽  
Ina Monsef ◽  
Jane Noyes ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignatius Bau ◽  
Robert A. Logan ◽  
Christopher Dezii ◽  
Bernard Rosof ◽  
Alicia Fernandez ◽  
...  

The authors of this paper recommend the integration of health care quality improvement measures for health literacy, language access, and cultural competence. The paper also notes the importance of patient-centered and equity-based institutional performance assessments or monitoring systems. The authors support the continued use of specific measures such as assessing organizational system responses to health literacy or the actual availability of needed language access services such as qualified interpreters as part of overall efforts to maintain quality and accountability. Moreover, this paper is informed by previous recommendations from a commissioned paper provided by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) to the Roundtable on Health Literacy of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. In the commissioned paper, NCQA explained that health literacy, language access, and cultural competence measures are siloed and need to generate results that enhance patient care improvements. The authors suggest that the integration of health literacy, language access, and cultural competence measures will provide for institutional assessment across multiple dimensions of patient vulnerabilities. With such integration, health care organizations and providers will be able to cultivate the tools needed to identify opportunities for quality improvement as well as adapt care to meet diverse patients’ complex needs. Similarly, this paper reinforces the importance of providing more “measures that matter” within clinical settings.


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