scholarly journals Disparities in COVID-19 related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviours by health literacy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
KJ McCaffery ◽  
RH Dodd ◽  
E Cvejic ◽  
J Ayre ◽  
C Batcup ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Social Inequalities In Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Health Literacy ◽  
Health Advice ◽  
Lower Health ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
Lower Health Literacy

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo explore the variation in understanding, attitudes and uptake of COVID-19 health advice during the 2020 pandemic lockdown by health literacy.Study designNational cross sectional community survey.SettingAustralian general public.ParticipantsAdults aged over 18 years (n = 4362).Main outcome measuresKnowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to COVID-19; health literacy and socio-demographic factors.ResultsPeople with inadequate health literacy had poorer understanding of COVID-19 symptoms (49% vs 68%; p<0.001), were less able to identify behaviours to prevent infection (59% vs 72%; p<0.001), and experienced more difficulty finding information and understanding government messaging about COVID-19 than people with adequate health literacy. They were less likely to rate social distancing as important (6.1 vs 6.5, p<0.001) and reported more difficulty remembering/accessing medication since lockdown (3.6 vs 2.7, p<0.001). Importantly there was higher endorsement of misinformation beliefs related to COVID-19 and vaccination in people with lower health literacy. Similar results were observed among people who primarily speak a language other than English at home.ConclusionOur findings show important disparities by health literacy and language in COVID-19 related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours that have the potential to undermine efforts to reduce viral transmission and may lead to social inequalities in health outcomes in Australia. Those with the greatest burden of chronic disease are most disadvantaged, and most likely to experience severe disease and die from COVID-19. Addressing the health literacy needs of the community in public health messaging about COVID-19 must now be a priority in Australia.

scholarly journals Citizen Responses to Government Restrictions in Switzerland During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey

10.2196/20871 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. e20871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Selby ◽  
Marie-Anne Durand ◽  
Alexandre Gouveia ◽  
Francesca Bosisio ◽  
Gaia Barazzetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Literacy Knowledge ◽  
Lower Health ◽  
The Government ◽  
Lower Health Literacy

Background The success of government-recommended mitigation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic depends largely on information uptake and implementation by individual citizens. Objective Our aim was to assess citizens’ knowledge and perceptions about COVID-19 recommendations in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Methods A cross-sectional electronic survey with open and closed questions was disseminated by community-based partners prior to the relaxation of government restrictions. Outcomes included citizen knowledge (9-question measure) and worry about the virus, perception of government measures, and recommendations for improvements. Comparisons used linear regression, controlling for age, sex, education, and health literacy. Free-text answers were analyzed thematically. Results Of 807 people who accessed the survey, 684 (85%) completed all questions and 479 (60%) gave free-text recommendations. Overall, 75% were female, the mean age was 48 years, and 93% had high health literacy. Knowledge scores were high, with a median score of 8 out of 9. Mean levels of worry about the COVID-19 pandemic were higher in women than men (55/100 versus 44/100, P<.001), and in respondents with lower health literacy (57/100 versus 52/100, P=.03). Self-reported adherence to recommendations was high (85%) and increased with age and worry (both P<.001). Respondents rated their own adherence higher than others (85% versus 61%, P<.001). Moreover, 34% of respondents reported having self-quarantined; this rose to 52% for those aged ≥75 years. Those who had self-quarantined reported higher levels of fear. Nearly half (49%) of respondents felt the government response had been adequate, though younger age and higher levels of worry were associated with considering the response to be insufficient (both P<.001). Analysis of open-text answers revealed 4 major themes: access to and use of masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer; government messaging; lockdown and lockdown exit plan communication; and testing for COVID-19. Conclusions Knowledge, adherence, and satisfaction regarding government recommendations and response were high in this sample, but many desired greater access to personal protective equipment. Those with lower health literacy and those who have been in self-isolation reported greater concerns about the pandemic.

scholarly journals Citizen Responses to Government Restrictions in Switzerland During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Selby ◽  
Marie-Anne Durand ◽  
Alexandre Gouveia ◽  
Francesca Bosisio ◽  
Gaia Barazzetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Literacy Knowledge ◽  
Lower Health ◽  
The Government ◽  
Lower Health Literacy

BACKGROUND The success of government-recommended mitigation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic depends largely on information uptake and implementation by individual citizens. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to assess citizens’ knowledge and perceptions about COVID-19 recommendations in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. METHODS A cross-sectional electronic survey with open and closed questions was disseminated by community-based partners prior to the relaxation of government restrictions. Outcomes included citizen knowledge (9-question measure) and worry about the virus, perception of government measures, and recommendations for improvements. Comparisons used linear regression, controlling for age, sex, education, and health literacy. Free-text answers were analyzed thematically. RESULTS Of 807 people who accessed the survey, 684 (85%) completed all questions and 479 (60%) gave free-text recommendations. Overall, 75% were female, the mean age was 48 years, and 93% had high health literacy. Knowledge scores were high, with a median score of 8 out of 9. Mean levels of worry about the COVID-19 pandemic were higher in women than men (55/100 versus 44/100, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and in respondents with lower health literacy (57/100 versus 52/100, <i>P</i>=.03). Self-reported adherence to recommendations was high (85%) and increased with age and worry (both <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Respondents rated their own adherence higher than others (85% versus 61%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Moreover, 34% of respondents reported having self-quarantined; this rose to 52% for those aged ≥75 years. Those who had self-quarantined reported higher levels of fear. Nearly half (49%) of respondents felt the government response had been adequate, though younger age and higher levels of worry were associated with considering the response to be insufficient (both <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Analysis of open-text answers revealed 4 major themes: access to and use of masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer; government messaging; lockdown and lockdown exit plan communication; and testing for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge, adherence, and satisfaction regarding government recommendations and response were high in this sample, but many desired greater access to personal protective equipment. Those with lower health literacy and those who have been in self-isolation reported greater concerns about the pandemic.

Drug Use and Life Chaos as Potential Factors Contributing to HIV Viral Load among People with Lower Health Literacy

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 606-614
Author(s):  
Seth C. Kalichman ◽  
Moira O. Kalichman ◽  
Ellen Banas ◽  
Marnie Hill ◽  
Harold Katner
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Hiv Viral Load ◽  
Lower Health ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Lower Health Literacy

scholarly journals HEALTH LITERACY OF INDIVIDUALS UNDERGOING DIALYSIS THERAPY

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica Naylla de Melo Bezerra ◽  
Sara Rebeca de Oliveira Lessa ◽  
Marcelo Francisco do Ó ◽  
Givaneide Oliveira de Andrade Luz ◽  
Anna Karla de Oliveira Tito Borba
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
P Value ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Adequate Health Literacy

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the functional levels of health literacy in individuals undergoing dialysis. Method: a cross-sectional study with 42 patients of the Nephrology Unit of a public hospital in Recife, Brazil, from May to August 2016. Data were collected through scripted interviews and chart analysis. Functional health literacy was measured using the Brazilian version of the Short-Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®) software, version 18.0, with a univariate analysis to verify the association between independent variables and functional health literacy levels using Fisher's exact test. Results: 80.9% of the patients presented inadequate health literacy and 19.1% presented adequate health literacy. The number of correct answers remained between 0-18 in the reading comprehension and in the scheduling appointment card. Among the independent variables, only marital status (p-value=0.018) and personal income (p-value=0.009) were factors associated with the worst scores in the test, indicating that these variables influence the increase in inadequate literacy. Conclusion: the prevalence of inadequate functional literacy was high, reflecting difficulties in understanding and processing health information, which may interfere with therapeutic management and self-care.

scholarly journals Disparities in the use of a mHealth medication adherence promotion intervention for low-income adults with type 2 diabetes

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyndsay A Nelson ◽  
Shelagh A Mulvaney ◽  
Tebeb Gebretsadik ◽  
Yun-Xian Ho ◽  
Kevin B Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
Lower Health ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Lower Health Literacy

Abstract Objective Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may improve diabetes outcomes, but require engagement. Little is known about what factors impede engagement, so the authors examined the relationship between patient factors and engagement in an mHealth medication adherence promotion intervention for low-income adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Materials and Methods Eighty patients with T2DM participated in a 3-month mHealth intervention called MEssaging for Diabetes that leveraged a mobile communications platform. Participants received daily text messages addressing and assessing medication adherence, and weekly interactive automated calls with adherence feedback and questions for problem solving. Longitudinal repeated measures analyses assessed the relationship between participants’ baseline characteristics and the probability of engaging with texts and calls. Results On average, participants responded to 84.0% of texts and participated in 57.1% of calls. Compared to Whites, non-Whites had a 63% decreased relative odds (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19-0.73) of participating in calls. In addition, lower health literacy was associated with a decreased odds of participating in calls (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI, 0.46-0.99, P = .04), whereas older age ( Pnonlinear = .01) and more depressive symptoms (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI, 0.38-1.02, P = .059) trended toward a decreased odds of responding to texts. Conclusions Racial/ethnic minorities, older adults, and persons with lower health literacy or more depressive symptoms appeared to be the least engaged in a mHealth intervention. To facilitate equitable intervention impact, future research should identify and address factors interfering with mHealth engagement.

scholarly journals Role of Health Literacy on Menstrual Hygiene Practice among the Girl Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 83-90
Author(s):  
Shanti Prasad Khanal
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Hygiene Practice ◽  
Staff Nurse ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Adequate Health Literacy ◽  
Health Literacy Level ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

The main aim of this study was to find out the role of health literacy on menstruation hygiene practice of campus girls. The population of this study were girls studying health and physical education in Surkhet Campus and HA/Staff Nurse in SEDA Campus. Surkhet was selected by proportional stratified sampling. This study followed descriptive and cross-sectional design. The study used two tools Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) and Self Administrated Questionnaire for collecting data. It was found that health literacy among girls of study area is not satisfactory. The findings indicate that 53.93 percent respondents have adequate health literacy. Adequate health literacy level of girls of HA/Staff nurse, aged 16-18 years and 19-21 years and Chhetri and Janajati had adequate health literary. The findings support that higher proportions of the adequate health literate respondents have good menstruation hygiene practice than inadequate health literate respondents. Finally, the results indicated that health literacy among the girls is inadequate, that calls more concern to the matter of health literacy in educational programs.

scholarly journals Social inequalities in health among the elderly

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (suppl 2) ◽  
pp. s198-s208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilisa Berti de Azevedo Barros ◽  
Priscila Maria Stolses Bergamo Francisco ◽  
Margareth Guimarães Lima ◽  
Chester Luiz Galvão César
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Social Inequalities In Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inequalities In Health ◽  
Use Of Health Services

The aim of the present study was to assess social inequalities in health status, health behavior and the use of health services based on education level. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out involving 1,518 elderly residents of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil. Significant demographic and social differences were found between schooling strata. Elderly individuals with a higher degree of schooling are in greater proportion alcohol drinkers, physically active, have healthier diets and a lower prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dizziness, headaches, back pain, visual impairment and denture use, and better self-rated health. But, there were no differences in the use of health services in the previous two weeks, in hospitalizations or surgeries in the previous year, nor in medicine intake over the previous three days. Among elderly people with hypertension and diabetes, there were no differences in the regular use of health services and medication. The results demonstrate social inequalities in different health indicators, along with equity in access to some health service components.

scholarly journals Provider Education about Glaucoma and Glaucoma Medications during Videotaped Medical Visits

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betsy Sleath ◽  
Susan J. Blalock ◽  
Delesha M. Carpenter ◽  
Kelly W. Muir ◽  
Robyn Sayner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Situational Factors ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Provider Education ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Visits ◽  
Provider Characteristics ◽  
Lower Health ◽  
Lower Health Literacy

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine how patient, physician, and situational factors are associated with the extent to which providers educate patients about glaucoma and glaucoma medications, and which patient and provider characteristics are associated with whether providers educate patients about glaucoma and glaucoma medications.Methods. Patients with glaucoma who were newly prescribed or on glaucoma medications were recruited and a cross-sectional study was conducted at six ophthalmology clinics. Patients’ visits were videotape recorded and patients were interviewed after visits. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the data.Results. Two hundred and seventy-nine patients participated. Providers were significantly more likely to educate patients about glaucoma and glaucoma medications if they were newly prescribed glaucoma medications. Providers were significantly less likely to educate African American patients about glaucoma. Providers were significantly less likely to educate patients of lower health literacy about glaucoma medications.Conclusion. Eye care providers did not always educate patients about glaucoma or glaucoma medications.Practice Implications. Providers should consider educating more patients about what glaucoma is and how it is treated so that glaucoma patients can better understand their disease. Even if a patient has already been educated once, it is important to reinforce what has been taught before.

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.

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