scholarly journals Objective health literacy skills among ninth graders in Finland: outcomes from a national learning assessment

2021 ◽  
pp. 140349482110197
Author(s):  
Anna-Mari Summanen ◽  
Juhani Rautopuro ◽  
Lasse K. Kannas ◽  
Leena T. Paakkari
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Linear Model ◽  
Educational Aspirations ◽  
School Achievement ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Model ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Ninth Graders ◽  
Language Of Instruction ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Background: Health literacy (HL) is an important determinant for maintaining and improving health throughout the lifespan. This underlines the need to monitor HL, including among adolescents, and to understand the factors explaining HL, with a view to decreasing differences in HL. The aim of this study was to objectively measure HL, and the relationship between HL and socio-demographic factors (gender, language of instruction, pupils’ educational aspirations, parents’ educational background and pupils’ school achievement) among pupils ( n = 3652) at the end of basic education in Finland. Methods: A nationally representative assessment, which included 55 items on HL, was conducted as a traditional paper-and-pencil test in schools. The data were analysed via descriptive statistics and a two-level hierarchical linear model to determine how the socio-demographic factors affected HL. Results: The pupils’ average score on the HL test items was 58.9%, indicating a satisfactory HL level. A two-level hierarchical linear model showed that the variables (gender, language of instruction, pupils’ educational aspirations, parents’ educational background and pupils’ school achievement) predicting the HL level had statistically significant effects. Conclusions: Among ninth graders (15–16 years old), almost one third of the boys and 8% of the girls exhibited an unsatisfactory HL level. The study also confirmed the importance of school-related factors in explaining HL differences. Since low HL has been linked to several unfavourable health indicators and has been viewed as an underestimated problem in times of pandemic and other health crises, the findings suggest that the HL level of Finnish ninth graders is a clear public-health issue.

The association of health literacy and socio-demographic factors with medication knowledge

2010 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 372-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer R. Marks ◽  
Joel M. Schectman ◽  
Hunter Groninger ◽  
Margaret L. Plews-Ogan
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Medication Knowledge ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

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.

ADHD Prevalence in Spanish Preschoolers: Comorbidity, Socio-Demographic Factors, and Functional Consequences

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josefa Canals ◽  
Paula Morales-Hidalgo ◽  
M. Claustre Jané ◽  
Edelmira Domènech
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
School Achievement ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Adhd Diagnosis ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Objective: The object was to examine the prevalence of ADHD among preschoolers, analyzing comorbidity, and the association with socio-demographic factors. Method: We conducted a two-phase epidemiological study of 1,104 preschoolers aged 3 to 6 years in Catalonia, Spain. The Early Childhood Inventory–4 (ECI-4) was administered to parents and teachers. Children at risk of ADHD were assessed using open-ended face-to-face interviews and were observed in a school setting. ADHD diagnoses were based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) criteria. Results: The prevalence of ADHD diagnosis was 5.4%. Male sex and first-born status were risk factors for ADHD. Parents reported more symptoms (12.9%) than teachers (8.7%). Behavioral problems (odds ratio [OR] = 12, p = .001), autism spectrum disorder problems (OR = 9.5, p = .001), and obsessive-compulsive problems and tics (OR = 5.9, p = .001) were specifically related to ADHD diagnosis. Mother’s health status and school achievement were lower in ADHD children. Conclusion: Even at early stages of development, ADHD has high rates of comorbidity and a significant impact on school performance and family health.

scholarly journals Does health literacy explain the link between structural stratifiers and adolescent health?

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 919-924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leena T Paakkari ◽  
Minna P Torppa ◽  
Olli-Pekka Paakkari ◽  
Raili S Välimaa ◽  
Kristiina S A Ojala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Health Behaviour ◽  
Educational Aspirations ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
School Achievement ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Positive Health

Abstract Background The concept of health literacy (HL) may help us to better understand the mechanisms leading to health disparities, and to focus on the factors that can be influenced. However, not much is yet known about how HL is related to health disparities, or whether the association exists among adolescents. The aim of the study was to examine the associations between structural stratifiers, HL and health indicators among adolescents. Methods The nationally representative Finnish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey data (n=3833) were collected from 13- and 15-year-old pupils in the spring of 2014. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated, and separate path models were estimated for the perceived health and health behaviour measures. Results HL was found to be an independent factor explaining disparities in health. Higher HL was related to positive health outcomes. HL also acted as a mediator between health behaviours and structural stratifiers, except for gender. School achievement and educational aspirations were among the factors explaining the HL level, which in turn, explained the health indicators. Conclusion The concept of HL is of use in understanding health disparities. In particular, HL provides a mechanism via which school achievement and educational plans affect health outcomes. Low HL places adolescents who have poor school achievement and who do not intend to continue on an academic path in an unequal position with respect to their health.

scholarly journals What Influences the Financial Literacy of Young Adults? A Combined Analysis of Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Delay of Gratification

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christin Siegfried ◽  
Eveline Wuttke
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Delay Of Gratification ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Economic Landscape ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
Long Term Impact

The current economic landscape is complex and globalized, and it imposes on individuals the responsibility for their own financial security. This situation has been intensified by the COVID-19 crisis, since short-time work and layoffs significantly limit the availability of financial resources for individuals. Due to the long duration of the lockdown, these challenges will have a long-term impact and affect the financial well-being of many citizens. Moreover, it can be assumed that the consequences of this crisis will once again particularly affect groups of people who have already frequently been identified as having low financial literacy. Financial literacy is therefore an important target for educational measures and interventions. However, it cannot be considered in isolation but must take into account the many potential factors that influence financial literacy alone or in combination. These include personality traits and socio-demographic factors as well as the (in)ability to defer gratification. Against this background, individualized support offers can be made. With this in mind, in the first step of this study, we analyze the complex interaction of personality traits, socio-demographic factors, the (in-)ability to delay gratification, and financial literacy. In the second step, we differentiate the identified effects regarding different groups to identify moderating effects, which, in turn, allow conclusions to be drawn about the need for individualized interventions. The results show that gender and educational background moderate the effects occurring between self-reported financial literacy, financial learning opportunities, delay of gratification, and financial literacy.

scholarly journals Subjective health literacy among school-aged children

2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olli Paakkari ◽  
Minna Torppa ◽  
Jari Villberg ◽  
Lasse Kannas ◽  
Leena Paakkari
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Educational Aspirations ◽  
School Achievement ◽  
Learning Difficulties ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Family Affluence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Nationally Representative

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore Finnish adolescents’ subjective health literacy (HL) in association to school achievement, learning difficulties, educational aspirations, and family affluence. Design/methodology/approach Nationally representative data were collected in Finland as a part of the international Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. The respondents consisted in total of 3,833 adolescents (7th and 9th graders) from 359 schools. The Health Literacy for School-aged Children instrument was applied to measure adolescents’ subjective HL, while the Family Affluence Scale was used to measure adolescents’ socioeconomic status. Information was gathered on school achievement, learning difficulties, and educational aspirations. Findings Approximately one-third of the adolescents manifested a high level of HL, around 60 per cent had a moderate level of HL, and about one-tenth had low HL. The HL level was lower for boys than for girls, and lower for 7th graders than for 9th graders. In the total sample, the strongest explanatory variables for HL were school achievement in the first language, and educational aspirations. Originality/value This study provides the first nationally representative examination of adolescents’ subjective HL levels, and how these vary across age and gender groups. In drawing conclusions and presenting suggestions for HL interventions, it is important to verify the nature of the HL examined in any given study, and how it was researched.

scholarly journals Mitigating Consumptive Behavior: The Analysis of Learning Experiences of Housewives

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 114
Author(s):  
Suparti Suparti
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Family Welfare ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
Consumptive Behavior

<p class="apa">The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinant of consumptive behavior by analyzing learning experiences of housewives as members of Family Welfare Movement (PKK) in Malang, East Java Indonesia. Financial literacy is defined as personal knowledge and capability in financial management. Sample of this study was 123 housewives and retrieved using convenience sampling method. The data was collected by using questionnaires and analyzed by using path analysis. The results of this study show that financial literacy significantly affects consumptive behavior of housewife. It means that financial education has become an urgency to be held in formal education level. However socio-demographic factors (e.g. age, educational background, and working experiences) are not correlated with consumptive behavior of housewife. Therefore, financial literacy is the determinant of consumptive behavior of housewife. Thus, as learning experiences proxies, financial literacy and socio-demographic factors seem to be complement.</p>

scholarly journals Associations between Socio-Demographic Factors and Hypertension Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Findings from Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9306
Author(s):  
Mohamed Hassan Elnaem ◽  
Nur Hasyimah Kamarudin ◽  
Nabeel Kashan Syed ◽  
Hasniza Zaman Huri ◽  
Inderpal Singh Dehele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Hypertension Management ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Hypertension Control ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
Study Participants

The perspectives of hypertensive patients on the state of hypertension control during the ongoing pandemic restrictions have not been extensively studied in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of socio-demographic factors, health literacy, and adherence on the overall hypertension management in a group of Malaysian hypertensive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous, online cross-sectional study was conducted over three months that involved a group of Malaysian adults with hypertension. A validated, self-administered 30-item questionnaire was prepared in Malay and English languages on Google Forms. The link was then distributed to participants on social media (Facebook and WhatsApp). Following survey validation, a pilot study with 30 participants who met the inclusion criteria was carried out. The total scores for health literacy, adherence, and pandemic impact on hypertension control were calculated and compared across all independent variables. In a total of 144 study participants, controlled blood pressure was reported in 77% (N = 111). There were good levels of adherence and health literacy scores but moderate levels of pandemic impact scores. The total adherence scores showed a statistically significant difference between age groups (χ2 = 6.48, p = 0.039) and those who reported having controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure (U = 1116, p = 0.001). Moreover, the analysis revealed statistically significant differences in total pandemic impact scores based on the age group (χ2 = 15.008, p = 0.001), household income (χ2 = 6.887, p = 0.032), employment (U = 1712, p = 0.006), and marital status (U = 520.5, p < 0.001). The youngest age group (18–39) years, the lowest income group, unemployed and unmarried individuals, had significantly higher pandemic impact scores. This denotes that those individuals were more prone to be negatively affected by the pandemic regarding their hypertension management. Most participants reported relatively controlled blood pressure and good levels of health literacy as well as adherence amidst the pandemic. To a moderate extent, study participants perceived that the pandemic had a negative effect on hypertension management. The perceived negative impact of the pandemic was attributed to several socio-demographic factors, such as age, household income, employment, and marital status.

scholarly journals The Health Literacy of Adults in Alborz Province in Iran

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seddigheh Ravati ◽  
Malihe Farid
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
T Test ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Literacy Questionnaire ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Introduction: Health literacy is defined as the ability of an individual to acquire, interpret, and understand the basic information about health services and to use them. Health literacy is a strong predictor of health. Its low level is germane to health problems of people and society as well as economic costs. This study was designed to determine the level of health literacy considering socio-demographic factors in residents of Alborz province in 2015. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 465 people aged between 18 and 60 years old living in Alborz province were evaluated using two-stage random sampling technique (stratified and cluster sampling). In this study, Iranian Health Literacy Questionnaire (IHLQ) and socio-demographic Information Questionnaire were used to collect the required data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as T-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman correlation test using SPSS software. Results: The mean age of participants was 36.57(±11.08) years old and 68.2% of them were female. 22.4% of people had adequate, 44.3% had a moderate, and 33.3% had a poor level of health literacy. Health literacy in all dimensions of IHLQ except individual empowerment and social empowerment was moderate. People's access to health information also was moderate. The T-test indicated that the health literacy score was significantly higher in the individuals with the educational level of diploma and higher (p= 0.000), in Persian people (p= 0.008), and in unemployed people (p= 0.006). Conclusion: The high level of inadequate (moderate and poor) health literacy of 77.6% of the Alborz province population should be taken into consideration in health system policies to apply an effective strategy for  promoting  health literacy that results in better health status, regarding effective socio–demographic factors for each dimension of health literacy.   Keywords: Health Literacy, Adults, Iranian Health Literacy Questionnaire (IHLQ)

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