scholarly journals Complementary Medicine Health Literacy among a Population of Older Australians Living in Retirement Villages: A Mixed Methods Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline A. Smith ◽  
Esther Chang ◽  
Suzanne Brownhill ◽  
Kylie Barr
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Complementary Medicines ◽  
Health Literacy Questionnaire ◽  
Care System

Background. Older Australians are consumers of high levels of complementary medicines. The aim of this study was to examine health literacy in a population of older Australians related to their use of complementary medicine.Methods. A two-phase sequential mixed method design incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods was used in this study. The first phase consisted of a cross-sectional survey using a validated health literacy questionnaire and follow-up interviews with 11 residents of retirement villages. Interviews explored low scoring domains on the health literacy questionnaire.Results. Health literacy competencies scored higher for the domains ofhaving sufficient information to manage their health; felt understood and supported by health care providers; actively managed their health; and having social support for health. Three health literacy domains scored low includingappraisal of health information; ability to find good information;andnavigating the health care system.The findings suggest that participants had different experiences navigating the health care system to access information and services relating to complementary medicines. Two themes of “trust” and “try and see” provide insight into how this group of older Australians appraised health information in relation to complementary medicines.Conclusions. With a focus on self-care there is a need for improved health literacy skills.

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.

Low Health Literacy Is Associated With Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes in a Nonclinical Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-441
Author(s):  
Lydia O’Meara ◽  
Susan L. Williams ◽  
Kate Ames ◽  
Celeste Lawson ◽  
Sonia Saluja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Care System

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine associations among risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), health literacy levels, and sociodemographic characteristics in a nonclinical adult population to assist in the development of effective T2D prevention programs.MethodsThe Health Literacy Questionnaire and Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool were included in an online survey. Participants were a random sample of adults residing in each Australian state and territory. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression.ResultsA total of 1279 Australian adults participated (52% female; mean ± SD age, 61 ± 12 years). Most were at medium (42.4%) or high (46.9%) risk of developing T2D. The lowest health literacy scores were found for the domains “critical appraisal of health information” and “navigating the health care system.” After controlling for covariates, participants at the highest risk of developing T2D were significantly more likely to be unemployed, have ≥1 chronic conditions, or have a mental health condition. Furthermore, they were significantly more likely to develop T2D if they scored low in 1 of the following health literacy domains: critical appraisal of health information, navigating the health care system, actively managing health, social support, and health care provider support.ConclusionsHealth literacy was associated with increased risk for developing T2D and should therefore be part of diabetes prevention initiatives. Specifically, new health promotion initiatives need to help people develop skills required to critically appraise health information and navigate the health care system. Health practitioners and educators should ensure that health information developed for consumers is uncomplicated and easily understood.

scholarly journals Estimating the Economic Burden of Low Health Literacy in the Blacktown Community in Sydney, Australia: A Population-Based Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2303
Author(s):  
Wadad Kathy Tannous ◽  
Moin Uddin Ahmed ◽  
James Rufus John ◽  
Graham Reece ◽  
Golo Ahlenstiel
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
Years Of Life Lost ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Low Health Literacy ◽  
Sydney Australia ◽  
Care System

Evidence shows that inadequate or low health literacy (LHL) levels are significantly associated with economic ramifications at the individual, employer, and health care system levels. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the economic burden of LHL among a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community in Blacktown: a local government area (LGA) in Sydney, Australia. This study is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from publicly available datasets, including 2011 and 2016 census data and National Health Survey (NHS) data (2017–2018) from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and figures on Disease Expenditure in Australia for 2015–2016 provided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). This study found that 20% of Blacktown residents reported low levels of active engagement with health care providers (Domain 6 of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ)), with 14% reporting a limited understanding of the health information required to take action towards improving health or making health care decisions (Domain 9 of the HLQ). The overall extra/delta cost (direct and indirect health care costs) associated with LHL in the Blacktown LGA was estimated to be between $11,785,528 and $15,432,239 in 2020. This is projected to increase to between $18,922,844 and $24,191,911 in 2030. Additionally, the extra disability-adjusted life year (DALY) value in 2020, for all chronic diseases and age-groups—comprising the extra costs incurred due to years of life lost (YLL) and years lived with disability (YLD)—was estimated at $414,231,335. The findings of our study may enable policymakers to have a deeper understanding of the economic burden of LHL in terms of its impact on the health care system and the production economy.

scholarly journals “Take the treatment and be brave”: Care experiences of pregnant women with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0242604
Author(s):  
Marian Loveday ◽  
Sindisiwe Hlangu ◽  
Jennifer Furin
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Coding System ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Care System

Background There are few data on the on the care experiences of pregnant women with rifampicin-resistant TB. Objective To describe the treatment journeys of pregnant women with RR-TB—including how their care experiences shape their identities—and identify areas in which tailored interventions are needed. Methods In this qualitative study in-depth interviews were conducted among a convenience sample from a population of pregnant women receiving treatment for RR-TB. This paper follows COREQ guidelines. A thematic network analysis using an inductive approach was performed to analyze the interview transcripts and notes. The analysis was iterative and a coding system developed which focused on the care experiences of the women and how these experiences affected their perceptions of themselves, their children, and the health care system in which treatment was received. Results Seventeen women were interviewed. The women described multiple challenges in their treatment journeys which required them to demonstrate sustained resilience (i.e. to “be brave”). Care experiences required them to negotiate seemingly contradictory identities as both new mothers—“givers of life”—and RR-TB patients facing a complicated and potentially deadly disease. In terms of their “pregnancy identity” and “RR-TB patient identity” that emerged as part of their care experiences, four key themes were identified that appeared to have elements that were contradictory to one another (contradictory areas). These included: 1) the experience of physical symptoms or changes; 2) the experience of the “mothering” and “patient” roles; 3) the experience of the care they received for their pregnancy and their RR-TB; and 4) the experience of community engagement. There were also three areas that overlapped with both roles and during which identity was negotiated/reinforced and they included: 1) faith; 2) socioeconomic issues; and 3) long-term concerns over the child’s health. At times, the health care system exacerbated these challenges as the women were not given the support they needed by health care providers who were ill-informed or angry and treated the women in a discriminatory fashion. Left to negotiate this confusing time period, the women turned to faith, their own mothers, and the fathers of their unborn children. Conclusion The care experiences of the women who participated in this study highlight several gaps in the current health care system that must be better addressed in both TB and perinatal services in order to improve the therapeutic journeys for pregnant women with RR-TB and their children. Suggestions for optimizing care include the provision of integrated services, including specialized counseling as well as training for health care providers; engagement of peer support networks; provision of socioeconomic support; long-term medical care/follow-up for children born to women who were treated for RR-TB; and inclusion of faith-based services in the provision of care.

scholarly journals Interrelationships Between Patients’ Data Tracking Practices, Data Sharing Practices, and Health Literacy: Onsite Survey Study

10.2196/18937 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. e18937
Author(s):  
Yuhan Luo ◽  
Chi Young Oh ◽  
Beth St Jean ◽  
Eun Kyoung Choe
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Data Sharing ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Data Tracking

Background Although the use of patient-generated data (PGD) in the optimization of patient care shows great promise, little is known about whether patients who track their PGD necessarily share the data with their clinicians. Meanwhile, health literacy—an important construct that captures an individual’s ability to manage their health and to engage with their health care providers—has often been neglected in prior studies focused on PGD tracking and sharing. To leverage the full potential of PGD, it is necessary to bridge the gap between patients’ data tracking and data sharing practices by first understanding the interrelationships between these practices and the factors contributing to these practices. Objective This study aims to systematically examine the interrelationships between PGD tracking practices, data sharing practices, and health literacy among individual patients. Methods We surveyed 109 patients at the time they met with a clinician at a university health center, unlike prior research that often examined patients’ retrospective experience after some time had passed since their clinic visit. The survey consisted of 39 questions asking patients about their PGD tracking and sharing practices based on their current clinical encounter. The survey also contained questions related to the participants’ health literacy. All the participants completed the survey on a tablet device. The onsite survey study enabled us to collect ecologically valid data based on patients’ immediate experiences situated within their clinic visit. Results We found no evidence that tracking PGD was related to self-reports of having sufficient information to manage one’s health; however, the number of data types participants tracked positively related to their self-assessed ability to actively engage with health care providers. Participants’ data tracking practices and their health literacy did not relate to their data sharing practices; however, their ability to engage with health care providers positively related to their willingness to share their data with clinicians in the future. Participants reported several benefits of, and barriers to, sharing their PGD with clinicians. Conclusions Although tracking PGD could help patients better engage with health care providers, it may not provide patients with sufficient information to manage their health. The gaps between tracking and sharing PGD with health care providers call for efforts to inform patients of how their data relate to their health and to facilitate efficient clinician-patient communication. To realize the full potential of PGD and to promote individuals’ health literacy, empowering patients to effectively track and share their PGD is important—both technologies and health care providers can play important roles.

Outside Looking In: A Pharmacist's Personal Journey With Family Elders

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-167
Author(s):  
Jeannette Y. Wick
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Clinical Inertia ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Personal Journey ◽  
Care System

Pharmacists who work in long-term care—or in any area of health care—are exposed to the health care system on a daily basis. While most of us recognize that the health care system has problems, especially at transitions of care, few of us appreciate fully how serious these problems can be. Certifying and accrediting agencies have encouraged health care providers to step out of their silos and work more collaboratively, and educators have emphasized understanding geriatric syndromes. A description of a personal journey through the health system—for both the patient and the caregiver—with two older individuals, this narrative discusses how difficult it is for patients to understand what's happening around them. It also discusses the clinical inertia in addressing geriatric issues and offers suggestions to health care providers facing similar situations.

The importance of health literacy for self-management: A scoping review of reviews

2021 ◽  
pp. 174239532110354
Author(s):  
Marieke van der Gaag ◽  
Monique Heijmans ◽  
Cristina Spoiala ◽  
Jany Rademakers
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Medical Management ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Limited Health Literacy ◽  
Limited Health ◽  
Behavioural Aspects ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Care System

Objectives Self-management of chronic diseases is rather complex, especially for patients with limited health literacy. In this review, we aim to disentangle the specific difficulties patients with limited health literacy face in relation to self-management and their associated needs with respect to self-management support. Methods We performed a literature search in five databases. We used a broad definition of health literacy and self-management was categorized into four types of activities: medical management, changing lifestyle, communicating and navigating through the health care system and coping. Included reviews described the relationship between health literacy and different domains of self-management and were published after 2010. Results A total of 28 reviews were included. Some clear difficulties of patients with limited health literacy emerged, predominantly in the area of medical management (especially adherence), communication and knowledge. Other associations between health literacy and self-management were inconclusive. Barriers from the patients’ perspective described mainly medical management and the communication and navigation of the health care system. Discussion Patients with limited health literacy experience difficulties with specific domains of self-management. For a better understanding of the relationship between health literacy and self-management, a broader conceptualization of health literacy is warranted, including both cognitive and behavioural aspects.

HIV status, trust in health care providers, and distrust in the health care system among Bronx women

AIDS Care ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. O. Cunningham ◽  
N. L. Sohler ◽  
L. Korin ◽  
W. Gao ◽  
K. Anastos
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Care System

scholarly journals Viewpoint: Health literacy and patient portals

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulong Gu ◽  
Martin Orr ◽  
Jim Warren
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Patient Portal ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Patient Portals ◽  
Health Consumer ◽  
Improve Patient

Health literacy has been described as the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Improving health literacy may serve to promote concordance with therapy, engage patients in their own health care, and improve health outcomes. Patient portal technology aims at enabling patients and families to have easy access to key information in their own medical records and to communicate with their health care providers electronically. However, there is a gap in our understanding of how portals will improve patient outcome. The authors believe patient portal technology presents an opportunity to improve patient concordance with prescribed therapy, if adequate support is provided to equip patients (and family/carers) with the knowledge needed to utilise the health information available via the portals. Research is needed to understand what a health consumer will use patient portals for and how to support a user to realise the technology?s potential.

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