Influence of Health Literacy on Medication Adherence Among Elderly Females With Type 2 Diabetes in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44
Author(s):  
Nadia Hussain ◽  
Amira S. A. Said ◽  
Zainab Khan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Literacy Assessment ◽  
Patient Counseling ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Inadequate Health Literacy

Health literacy is how well the patients are able to attain, deal with, and understand basic health information. This is particularly important when it comes to comprehending prescribed medication instructions. To improve the communication strategies for health-care professionals during patient counseling, our study aimed to assess the influence of health literacy and medication adherence in older patients. The objectives of the study were to evaluate associations that occur between the level of health literacy and medication adherence. This study used a convenience sampling method of females (older than 60 years) attending the diabetic clinic in two hospital settings ( N = 524). All study participants filled three validated questionnaires: these were the Literacy Assessment for Diabetes, the Diabetes Numeracy Test, and a modified Brief Adherence Rating Scale. To assess the spectrum of health literacy differences, we used χ2 analysis and linear regression analysis. Individuals with adequate health literacy were more likely to remember to take their medications compared with those with inadequate health literacy, χ2(4) = 11.6, p = .04. Adequate literacy level study participants were more likely to not change the dose of their medications without medical advice (12.3%) compared with those individuals with inadequate health literacy (2.8%), χ2(4) = 11.13, p = .03. The results in our study suggest that health-care professionals should focus on appropriate communication attuned to the assessment of health literacy levels particularly in older female patients when discussing medication instructions.

scholarly journals Assessing Apps for Patients with Genitourinary Tumors Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS): Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Amor-García ◽  
Roberto Collado-Borrell ◽  
Vicente Escudero-Vilaplana ◽  
Alejandra Melgarejo-Ortuño ◽  
Ana Herranz-Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Genitourinary Cancers

BACKGROUND The large number of available cancer apps and their impact on the population necessitates a transparent, objective, and comprehensive evaluation by app experts, health care professionals, and users. To date, there have been no analyses or classifications of apps for patients with genitourinary cancers, which are among the most prevalent types of cancer. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to analyze the quality of apps for patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and identify high-quality apps. METHODS We performed an observational cross-sectional descriptive study of all smartphone apps for patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancers available on iOS and Android platforms. In July 2019, we searched for all available apps for patients with genitourinary cancers (bladder, prostate, cervical, uterine, endometrial, kidney, testicular, and vulvar) or their caregivers. Apps were downloaded and evaluated, and the general characteristics were entered into a database. The evaluation was performed by 2 independent researchers using the MARS questionnaire, which rates 23 evaluation criteria clustered in 5 domains (Engagement, Functionality, Esthetics, Information, and Subjective Quality) on a scale from 1 to 5. RESULTS In total, 46 apps were analyzed. Of these, 31 (67%) were available on Android, 6 (13%) on iOS, and 9 (20%) on both platforms. The apps were free in 89% of cases (41/46), and 61% (28/46) had been updated in the previous year. The apps were intended for prostate cancer in 30% of cases (14/46) and cervical cancer in 17% (8/46). The apps were mainly informative (63%, 29/46), preventive (24%, 11/46), and diagnostic (13%, 6/46). Only 7/46 apps (15%) were developed by health care organizations. The mean MARS score for the overall quality of the 46 apps was 2.98 (SD 0.77), with a maximum of 4.63 and a minimum of 1.95. Functionality scores were quite similar for most of the apps, with the greatest differences in Engagement and Esthetics, which showed acceptable scores in one-third of the apps. The 5 apps with the highest MARS score were the following: “Bladder cancer manager,” “Kidney cancer manager,” “My prostate cancer manager,” “Target Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Diary,” and “My Cancer Coach.” We observed statistically significant differences in the MARS score between the operating systems and the developer types (<i>P</i>&lt;.001 and <i>P</i>=.01, respectively), but not for cost (<i>P</i>=.62). CONCLUSIONS MARS is a helpful methodology to decide which apps can be prescribed to patients and to identify which features should be addressed to improve these tools. Most of the apps designed for patients with genitourinary cancers only try to provide data about the disease, without coherent interactivity. The participation of health professionals in the development of these apps is low; nevertheless, we observed that both the participation of health professionals and regular updates were correlated with quality.

scholarly journals Working Atmosphere and Job Satisfaction of Health Care Staff in Kenya: An Exploratory Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Goetz ◽  
Michael Marx ◽  
Irmgard Marx ◽  
Marc Brodowski ◽  
Maureen Nafula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Quality Management System ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Good Opportunity ◽  
Overall Job Satisfaction

Background. Job satisfaction and working atmosphere are important for optimal health care delivery. The study aimed to document working atmosphere and job satisfaction of health care professionals in Kenya and to explore associations between job satisfaction, staff characteristics, and working atmosphere.Methods. Data from the integrated quality management system (IQMS) for the health sector in Kenya were used. Job satisfaction was measured with 10 items and with additional 5 items adapted to job situation in Kenya. Working atmosphere was measured with 13 item questionnaire. A stepwise linear regression analysis was performed with overall job satisfaction and working atmosphere, aspects of job satisfaction, and individual characteristics.Results. Out of 832 questionnaires handed out, 435 questionnaires were completed (response rate: 52.3%). Health care staff indicated high commitment to provide quality services and low levels regarding the adequacy and functionality of equipment at their work station. The aspect “support of the ministry of health” (β= 0.577) showed the highest score of explained variance (32.9%) regarding overall job satisfaction.Conclusions. IQMS which also evaluates job satisfaction and working atmosphere of health care staff provides a good opportunity for strengthening the recruitment and retention of health care staff as well as improving the provision of good quality of care.

scholarly journals Does higher health literacy lead to higher trust in public hospitals?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Bertram ◽  
Urs Steiner Brandt ◽  
Rikke Klitten Hansen ◽  
Gert Tinggaard Svendsen
Keyword(s):  
Game Theory ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care System

Abstract Background: Does higher health literacy lead to higher trust in public hospitals? Existing literature suggests that this is the case since a positive association between the level of health literacy and the level of trust in physicians and the health care system has been shown. This study aims to challenge this assumption. Methods: Based on theoretical arguments from game theory and analysis of empirical data, we argue that the association is better described as an inversely u-shaped curve, suggesting that low and high levels of health literacy lead to a lower level of trust than a medium level of health literacy does. The empirical analysis is based on a study of the Danes’ relationship to the overall health care system. More than 6,000 Danes have been asked about their overall expectations of the health service, their concrete experiences and their attitudes to a number of change initiatives. Results: Game theory analysis show that the combined perceived cooperation and benefit effects can explain an inversely u-shaped relationship between social groups and trust in the health care system. Based on quantitative, binary regression analyses of empirical data, the lowest degree of trust is found among patients from the lowest and highest social groups, while the highest degree of trust is found in the middle group. The main driver for this result is that while patients having low health literacy perceive that the health care system is not cooperative, patients with a high level of health literacy have high expectations about the quality, which the health care system might not be able to provide. This reduces the perceived benefit from their encounter with the health care system. Conclusion: It is important that health care professionals understand that some patient groups have a higher chance of cooperation (e.g., agreeing on the choice of treatment) or defection (e.g. passing a complaint) than others. In perspective, future research should undertake further qualitative examinations of possible patient types and their demands in relation to different health care sectors, focusing specifically on the opportunities to improve the handling of different patient types.

scholarly journals How Health Care Professionals Evaluate a Digital Intervention to Improve Medication Adherence: Qualitative Exploratory Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Thomson ◽  
Corline Brouwers ◽  
Olga C Damman ◽  
Martine C de Bruijne ◽  
Danielle RM Timmermans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Improve Medication Adherence ◽  
Digital Intervention

scholarly journals HEALTH LITERACY AND HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION PATTERNS IN MIDDLE AGE ADULTS IN PAKISTAN

1969 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 821-826
Author(s):  
UMAR ALEEM ◽  
NOOR KHAN ◽  
ZAKRIA ZAKAR ◽  
ROBEENA ZAKAR ◽  
SHAMAILA
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Care Utilization ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Middle Age ◽  
Community Health Center ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Inadequate Health Literacy

OBJECTIVES: No practical and theoretical pattern for identifying health literacy and its utilizationpatterns exist. Health literacy is referring to the ability to read and perform numerical tasks'. Thisstudy’s objective was to recognize useful clinically questions that might be effective for theidentification of marginal and inadequate health literacy in adults.MATERIAL AND METHODS: In person interviews from a sample of n=332 middle age adults (28-40years) completed. A 5 point likert scale questionnaire include 16 literacy screening questionsadministered, followed by a validated health measure, the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy inAdults (STOHFLA). Grounded on the STOHFLA men were categorized as having inadequate,marginal, and adequate health literacy. Health care utilization pattern were identified in a separatequestionnaire through 10 close ended questions.RESULTS: Inadequate health literacy accounts for 42%, marginal health literacy 14% and adequatehealth literacy for 44% of the participants. 23% of the participants do not go to visit the hospital anddoctor in minor health related issues. 29% of the participants use over the counter drugs, and only 48%of the participants visit health facilities (Community Health Center, BHU, RHCs, THQ, DHQ) for theirhealth related issues.CONCLUSION:Health literacy and health care utilization are not so common in middle age adults inPakistan. The need of health literacy must be addressed in middle age adults, and it is possible when thehealth care facilities are fully utilized.KEYWORDS:Heallh Literacy, Healthcare Utilization, Community Health Center, Basic health Unit,Rural Health Center

scholarly journals Electronic tools to bridge the language gap in health care for migrants: Systematic review of the literature (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédérique Thonon ◽  
Swati Perrot ◽  
Abhijna Vithal Yergolkar ◽  
Olivia Rousset-Torrente ◽  
James W Griffith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
General Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Positive Results

BACKGROUND Migrants may face significant delays and barriers in accessing health care, especially those who do not speak fluently the language of the host country. Some applications (apps) or electronic tools have been specifically developed to be used in medical consultations to facilitate the dialogue between health care professionals and migrants with low language proficiency, as well as apps to promote health amongst migrants. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic review to examine the evidence related to the development, adaptation, acceptability and effectiveness of electronic tools designed to help health care providers communicate with, or promote health amongst, migrants having a low proficiency in the language of the country of origin and/or low health literacy. METHODS We conducted a search of three scientific publications databases: Pubmed, Scopus and Embase. The study selection was performed by two researchers independently. We collected data about: general information about the app, information about health literacy and cultural adaptation, information about the development of the app, evidence about the app’s acceptability/efficacy and information about the apps’ use. Data was collected by two researchers independently and results were compared for triangulation and synthesis. Results were reported according to the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS We included 61 articles presenting a total of 48 applications. About one third of them (N=16) were designed solely to facilitate the interaction between migrants and a health care provider during a consultation, while the remaining two thirds (N=32) were designed to promote health amongst migrants with a language barrier. Thirty-two applications (67%) had their acceptability evaluated. Amongst them, 78% reported an overall good or very good acceptability, 3% reported an adequate acceptability. Half of the applications had their efficacy evaluated. Amongst them, for 5 of them the study was ongoing (21%); half had significant positive results, with 12% having had partially positive results meaning that the application showed significant efficacy in some measured outcomes but not all; and 8% applications had non-significant results. CONCLUSIONS Overall the applications included had good levels of acceptability, while only half had their efficacy evaluated. In those evaluations, the endpoints used are mostly related to reported behavior change and knowledge improvement, which is common for evaluations of health promotion programs. In the future, it is inevitable that more health applications will be created. Thus, it is essential that applications that claim to have a public health objective undergo a rigorous evaluation of their acceptability, efficacy and actual use. Indicators of outcomes, such as changes in health status, or access to care should be reported in future studies, beyond only reported changes in behavior and knowledge. This systematic review has helped us note the characteristics associated with improved acceptability and efficacy, which can be helpful for the development of future applications.

Engaging Patients and Lowering Costs

2017 ◽  
pp. 115-138
Author(s):  
Tony Zordich ◽  
Julia Menichetti
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Behavior Modification ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Technological Tools

Societies need solutions to achieve the “triple aim” of improved health outcomes, better patient care, and lower costs; and engaging patients in their care by using technological solutions is claimed as a possible strategy to achieve this vital goal. On this basis, the chapter focuses on reviewing, categorizing and synthesizing technological tools currently available in the market today designed to engage patients in their own care process. In particular, the goals of medication adherence, reduced hospital readmission, behavior modification, and health literacy - with related technologies - are assessed, since they are considered todays most expensive health care burdens. The advantages, shortcomings, and potential economic impact of such tools are finally discussed.

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