scholarly journals Health literacy in familial hypercholesterolemia: A cross-national study

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 936-943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin S Hagger ◽  
Sarah J Hardcastle ◽  
Miao Hu ◽  
See Kwok ◽  
Jie Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Familial Hypercholesterolemia ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Adequate Health Literacy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Inadequate Health Literacy

Background High rates of inadequate health literacy are associated with maladaptive health outcomes in chronic disease including increased mortality and morbidity rates, poor treatment adherence and poor health. Adequate health literacy may be an important factor in the effective treatment and management of familial hypercholesterolemia, and may also be implicated in genetic screening for familial hypercholesterolemia among index cases. The present study examined the prevalence and predictors of health literacy in familial hypercholesterolemia patients attending clinics in seven countries. Design Cross-sectional survey. Methods Consecutive FH patients attending clinics in Australia, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and the UK completed measures of demographic variables (age, gender, household income and highest education level) and a brief three-item health literacy scale. Results Rates of inadequate health literacy were lowest in the UK (7.0%), Australia (10.0%), Hong Kong (15.7%) and Taiwan (18.0%) samples, with higher rates in the Brazil (22.0%), Malaysia (25.0%) and China (37.0%) samples. Income was an independent predictor of health literacy levels, accounting for effects of age. Health literacy was also independently related to China national group membership. Conclusions Findings indicate non-trivial levels of inadequate health literacy in samples of familial hypercholesterolemia patients. Consistent with previous research in chronic illness, inadequate health literacy is related to income as an index of health disparities. Chinese familial hypercholesterolemia patients are more likely to have high rates of inadequate health literacy independent of income. Current findings highlight the imperative of education interventions targeting familial hypercholesterolemia patients with inadequate health literacy.

scholarly journals Health Literacy in Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Cross-National Study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin S Hagger
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Familial Hypercholesterolemia ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Poor Treatment ◽  
The Uk

Background: High rates of inadequate health literacy (HL) are associated with maladaptive health outcomes in chronic disease including increased mortality and morbidity rates, poor treatment adherence, and poor health. Adequate HL may be an important factor in the effective treatment and management of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), and may also be implicated in genetic screening for FH among index cases. The present study examined the prevalence and predictors of HL in FH patients attending clinics in seven countries. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Consecutive FH patients attending clinics in Australia, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the UK completed measures of demographic variables (age, gender, household income, and highest education level) and a brief three-item HL scale. Results: Rates of inadequate HL were lowest in the UK (7.0%), Australia (10.0%), Hong Kong (15.7%), and Taiwan (18.0%) samples, with higher rates in the Brazil (22.0%), Malaysia (25.0%), and China (37.0%) samples. Income was an independent predictor of HL levels, accounting for effects of age. HL was also independently related to China national group membership. Conclusions: Findings indicate non-trivial levels of inadequate HL in samples of FH patients. Consistent with previous research in chronic illness, inadequate HL is related to income as an index of health disparities. Chinese FH patients are more likely to have high rates of inadequate HL independent of income. Current findings highlight the imperative of education interventions targeting FH patients with inadequate HL.

The Relationship Between Patients' Safety-Related Behaviors and Safety Events and Patient Experiences in Korean Hospitals

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jee-In Hwang ◽  
Sung Wan Kim ◽  
Ho Jun Chin
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Patient Participation ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Limited Health Literacy ◽  
Care Experience ◽  
Adequate Health Literacy ◽  
Logistic Analysis ◽  
High Participation ◽  
Patient Responses

Background and PurposeThere is increasing interest in patient participation in healthcare aimed at enhancing safety. The purposes of this study were to examine levels of patients' safety-related behaviors and to determine their relationships with safety events and care experiences.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 360 patients in two tertiary general hospitals in Korea. The final dataset consisted of 341 patient responses. A questionnaire was developed to collect information concerning patients' safety-related behaviors, care experiences, and the occurrence of safety events. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.ResultsOn average, patients participated in 10.0 (SD 5.4) safety-related behaviors. Sixty-five (19.1%) patients reported experiencing at least one adverse event related to medical management. The mean problem score for care experience was 39.4 (SD 27.8) out of 100.0. Multiple logistic analysis showed that patients with adequate health literacy and higher activation levels were more likely to have high safety-related behavior participation levels. High participation in safety-related behaviors was negatively associated with the occurrence of safety events. However, no significant relationship was found between patient participation and the total problem scores for care experience.Implications for PracticeThese findings suggest that efforts to support patients with limited health literacy and low activation levels are needed to facilitate patient participation. Active participation in safety-related behaviors can contribute to improving patient safety.

scholarly journals P49 Exploring medical student confidence in social media health advocacy through the lens of a pandemic

BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vigneshwar Raj Veerappan ◽  
Ruksana Begum ◽  
Abdullah Raja ◽  
Tanjim Quddus ◽  
Rahul Senan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Advocacy ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Introduction Social media facilitates the rapid spread of information and misinformation to the public. Medical students as healthcare professionals in training have a responsibility to support public health advocacy. As such, it is important to understand whether medical students feel comfortable to use social media as a tool to promote public health. There is little literature evaluating this. The covid-19 pandemic gives us a unique opportunity to characterise this relationship. Methods This is a cross sectional survey-based study run by the student surgical society at Hull York Medical School. Data will be collected on confidence of medical students in receiving, appraising and resharing information on social media. The study will first be run as a single centre study. Following data collection and analysis, will be promoted to other student surgical societies across the UK to be run as a collaborative national study. Results Primary Objective How confident are medical students in receiving, appraising and resharing information they receive on social media?: Secondary Objective: Is there a relationship between years of training or postgraduate/undergraduate status and confidence in using social media amongst medical students? How often do medical students use social media as their primary source of information? Is there adequate education on how social media can be used to combat misinformation?: Conclusion: The covid-19 pandemic allows a unique opportunity to characterise the relationship between medical students, social media, and health advocacy. Understanding this relationship will help guide medical education to incorporate social media as an effective tool in healthcare.

scholarly journals Health Literacy and Diabetes Knowledge: A Nationwide Survey in a Multi-Ethnic Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9316
Author(s):  
P. V. Asharani ◽  
Jue Hua Lau ◽  
Kumarasan Roystonn ◽  
Fiona Devi ◽  
Wang Peizhi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inadequate Health Literacy

Health literacy is a key determinant of the public health and health climate of the nation. This study examined the functional health literacy of the nation, factors associated with health literacy, and its relationship with diabetes recognition. This cross-sectional survey recruited participants (N = 2895) who were 18 years and above from a population registry through disproportionate stratified sampling. The Brief Health Literacy Screen and other questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews, in one of the four national languages (English, Chinese, Malay or Tamil). The majority (80.5%) had adequate functional health literacy and were able to recognise symptoms of diabetes correctly (83.5% overall; 83.7% and 82.2% in those with adequate and inadequate health literacy, respectively). Those with inadequate health literacy had a higher incidence of chronic conditions (p < 0.001) compared to those with adequate health literacy in bivariate analysis. The majority of the sample had sufficient levels of physical activity (83.3%), and more than half reported an unhealthy lifestyle (57.4%). Older age, Chinese ethnicity, those who were employed, with lower education (secondary or below), and were married had significantly higher odds of inadequate health literacy. Health literacy was not associated with lifestyle, physical activity, chronic conditions and diabetes recognition. Health literacy interventions should focus on the disadvantaged social groups for improving their health literacy.

scholarly journals General practitioners’ predictions of their own patients’ health literacy: a cross-sectional study in Belgium

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e029357
Author(s):  
Hannelore Storms ◽  
Bert Aertgeerts ◽  
Frank Vandenabeele ◽  
Neree Claes
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Health Literacy ◽  
General Practices ◽  
Patient Relationships ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesTo support patients in their disease management, providing information that is adjusted to patients’ knowledge and ability to process health information (ie, health literacy) is crucial. To ensure effective health communication, general practitioners (GPs) should be able to identify people with limited health literacy. To this end, (dis)agreement between patients’ health literacy and GPs’ estimations thereof was examined. Also, characteristics impacting health literacy (dis)agreement were studied.DesignCross-sectional survey of general practice patients and GPs undertaken in 2016–17.SettingForty-one general practices in two Dutch-speaking provinces in Belgium.ParticipantsPatients (18 years of age and older) visiting general practices. Patients were excluded when having severe impairments (physical, mental, sensory).Main outcome measuresPatients’ health literacy was assessed with 16-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire. GPs indicated estimations on patients’ health literacy using a simple scale (inadequate; problematic; adequate). (Dis)agreement between patients’ health literacy and GPs’ estimations thereof (GPs’ estimations being equal to/higher/lower than patients’ health literacy) was measured using Kappa statistics. The impact of patient and GP characteristics, including duration of GP–patient relationships, on this (dis)agreement was examined using generalised linear logit model.ResultsHealth literacy of patients (n=1375) was inadequate (n=201; 14.6%), problematic (n=299; 21.7%), adequate (n=875; 63.6%). GPs overestimated the proportion patients with adequate health literacy: adequate (n=1241; 90.3%), problematic (n=130; 9.5%) and inadequate (n=4; 0.3%). Overall, GPs’ correct; over-/underestimations of health literacy occurred for, respectively, 60.9%; 34.2%; 4.9% patients, resulting in a slight agreement (κ=0.033). The likelihood for GPs to over-/underestimate patients’ health literacy increases with decreasing educational level of patients; and decreasing number of years patients have been consulting with their GP.ConclusionsIntuitively assessing health literacy is difficult. Patients’ education, the duration of GP–patient relationships and GPs’ gender impact GPs’ perceptions of patients’ health literacy.

scholarly journals Health literacy level among journalists and general population: a cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Savatteri ◽  
M R Gualano ◽  
G Voglino ◽  
R Crocetta ◽  
G Lo Moro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
General Population ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Health Literacy ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Postgraduate Qualification

Abstract Background Recent studies have shown that low Health Literacy (HL) negatively influence people's health. In an era of fake news journalists are called to recognize reliable sources in order to provide trustworthy information, especially on health topics. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of health-related topics among health journalists and how it differs from general population. Methods A cross-sectional survey was made by administering an online 28-item questionnaire. The questionnaire was constructed by joining an introductive part assessing socio-demographic characteristics with three tests: Single Item Literacy Screener (SILS), Medical Data Interpretation Test (MDIT) and IMETER, the Italian version of Medical Term Recognition Test (METER). Results A total of 589 valid surveys were obtained. Regarding this sample, 130 participants were journalists, 142 were healthcare workers and 317 belonged to general population. Journalists dealing with health-related topics (p = 0.016) and writing for online newspapers (p = 0.035) were found to have a higher HL, as well as those having a postgraduate qualification compared to colleagues with lower educational qualifications (p = 0.012). Instead, low HL was found among those journalists considering insufficient their economic status (p = 0.031) and among those who had never or only occasionally written about health-related issues (p &lt; 0.001). Among general population HL level was lower for females (p &lt; 0.001), while it was higher for participants with higher educational status (p = 0.038). Conclusions These results suggest that education is a key factor for an adequate health literacy. Given the importance, writing about medical and healthcare topics should be prerogative of journalists specifically formed in those fields. Key messages An adequate education strongly influences health literacy. It is of great importance to have specialized journalists write about medical and health-related topics.

scholarly journals Association of Individual Health Literacy with Preventive Behaviours and Family Well-being during COVID-19 Pandemic: Mediating Role of Family Information Sharing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Yuen Ha Wong ◽  
Abraham Ka Chung Wai ◽  
Shengzhi Zhao ◽  
Faustina Yip ◽  
Jung Jae Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Individual Health

Objective: We tested a model of individual health literacy, information sharing with family members, personal preventive behaviours and family well-being during COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. Methods: We analysed data of 1501 randomly selected Chinese adults from a cross-sectional survey in Hong Kong from 9 to 23 April 2020. Individual health literacy, COVID-19 information sharing with family members, preventive behaviours against COVID-19 and family well-being were measured. Structural equation modelling analysis tested the proposed model. Findings: COVID-19 information sharing with family members partially mediated the association between individual health literacy and personal preventive behaviours. The direct effect of .24 was shown and indirect effect through COVID-19 information sharing with family members was small with .03 (Z = 3.66, p &lt; .001). Family well-being was associated with personal preventive behaviours against COVID-19. The model was adjusted for sex, age, and socioeconomic status factors and had good fit with RMSEA = .04, CFI = .98, TLI = .96, and SRMR = .02. Conclusion: COVID-19 information sharing with family members was a partial mediator between individual health literacy and personal preventive behaviours against COVID-19. Strategies for enhancing health literacy and preventive measures against COVID-19 are needed to promote family well-being in the pandemic.

scholarly journals Survey of young people in one region of the UK on accessing COVID-19 information (SOCIAL)

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000942
Author(s):  
Oliver G P Lawton ◽  
Sarah A Lawton ◽  
Lisa Dikomitis ◽  
Joanne Protheroe ◽  
Joanne Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young People ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Gaps ◽  
The Uk

COVID-19 has significantly impacted young people’s lives yet little is known about the COVID-19 related sources of information they access. We performed a cross-sectional survey of pupils (11–16 years) in North Staffordshire, UK. 408 (23%) pupils responded to an online survey emailed to them by their school. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Social media, accessed by 68%, played a significant role in the provision of information, despite it not being considered trustworthy. 89% felt that COVID-19 had negatively affected their education. Gaps in the provision of information on COVID-19 have been identified.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Information and Being Connected: Qualitative Experiences of Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic from a Trans-National Sample

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Schoultz Mariyana ◽  
Leung Janni ◽  
Bonsaksen Tore ◽  
Ruffolo Mary ◽  
Thygesen Hilde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
National Study ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Information ◽  
The Uk

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter-in-place during the current pandemic. Methods: This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, the UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free-text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, USA and Australia. A total of 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions which were difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning, which was positive and stressful at the same time. Conclusion: Using social media while in a shelter-in-place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected.

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