scholarly journals How Do Subjective Health Literacy Measures Work in Young Adults? Specifying “Online” or “Paper-Based” Forms Impacts Results

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 238146832092467
Author(s):  
Mary C. Politi ◽  
Courtney M. Goodwin ◽  
Kimberly A. Kaphingst ◽  
Xuechen Wang ◽  
Angela Fagerlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Single Item ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
No Gold Standard ◽  
Electronic Health Information

Purpose. There is no gold-standard health literacy measure. The Single Item Literacy Screener (SILS) and Subjective Literacy Screener (SLS) ask people to self-report ability to understand health information. They were developed in older adults, before common use of electronic health information. This study explored whether the SILS and SLS related to objective literacy, numeracy, and comprehension among young adults, and whether specifying “online” or “paper-based” wording affected these relationships. Methods. Eligible individuals (18–35 years of age, English-speaking, US residents) from an online survey company were randomized to 1) original measures; 2) measures adding “paper-based” to describe health information/forms; or 3) measures adding “online” to describe health information/forms. We examined how each measure related to e-Health Literacy (eHEALS), subjective numeracy (SNS), objective numeracy (ONS), and comprehension of a short passage. Results. A total of 848/1342 respondents correctly answered attention-checks and were analyzed. The validated SILS related to comprehension ( P = 0.003), eHEALS ( P = 0.04), and ONS ( P < 0.001) but not SNS ( P = 0.44). When adding “paper-based,” SILS related to eHEALS ( P < 0.001) and ONS ( P = 0.003) but did not relate to comprehension ( P = 0.25) or SNS ( P = 0.35). When adding “online,” SILS related to comprehension ( P < 0.001), eHEALS ( P < 0.001), ONS ( P = 0.005), and SNS ( P = 0.03). The validated SLS related to comprehension ( P < 0.001), eHEALS ( P < 0.001), ONS ( P < 0.001), and SNS ( P < 0.001). When adding “paper-based,” the SLS only related to eHEALS ( P = <0.001) and comprehension ( P = 0.03) but did not relate to ONS ( P = 0.13) or SNS ( P = 0.33). When adding “online,” the SLS related to comprehension ( P < 0.001), eHEALS ( P < 0.001), and SNS ( P = 0.03) but not ONS ( P = 0.06). Conclusions. Young adults might interpret subjective health literacy measures differently when prompted to think about electronic or paper-based information. Researchers should consider clearer instructions or modified wording when using these measures in this population.

scholarly journals Development of a health literacy scale for preconception care: a study of the reproductive age population in Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maiko Suto ◽  
Haruhiko Mitsunaga ◽  
Yuka Honda ◽  
Eri Maeda ◽  
Erika Ota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preconception Care ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Behavioral Skills

Abstract Background Preconception care aims to improve both maternal and child health in the short as well as long term, along with providing health benefits to adolescents, women, and men, whether or not they plan to become parents. However, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions for improving preconception health in population-based settings. To accumulate evidence in this field, this study focused on the concept of health literacy, and aimed to develop a self-report health literacy scale in Japanese, focusing on preconception care. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional online survey. Participants were recruited from December 2019 to February 2020 from the registered members of a web-based research company. Participants were Japanese men and women aged 16–49 (n = 2000). A factor analysis was conducted to select both factors and items for health-related behavior and skills (33 initial items were generated), along with an item response theory analysis to examine how the 16 items were related to people’s knowledge of preconception care. Results We developed a 6-factor (including “appropriate medical examinations,” “appropriate diet,” “stress coping,” “healthy weight,” “safe living environment,” and “vaccinations”), 25-item behavior and skills scale, as well as a 13-item knowledge scale, to evaluate participants’ health literacy around preconception care. A shortened version, consisting of 17 items, was also prepared from the 25 items. The reliability coefficients of total scores and each factor of the behavior and skills scale were comparatively high, with weak-to-moderate correlation between behavior and skills and knowledge. Conclusions The new scale will, ideally, provide information on the current state of preconception care health literacy of the general population. In addition, this scale, which consists of both behavioral/skills and knowledge dimensions, should help support the effective implementation of risk assessment programs and interventions aimed at promoting behavioral changes using a population-based approach. Future studies using different question/administration formats for diverse populations, and considering respondents’ opinions on health literacy scales should be effective in improving this scale.

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.

scholarly journals Exploring Associated Factors of Subjective Health Literacy in School-Aged Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Fretian ◽  
Torsten Michael Bollweg ◽  
Orkan Okan ◽  
Paulo Pinheiro ◽  
Ullrich Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Fourth Graders ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Low Health Literacy ◽  
Health Related

Low health literacy is considered to lead to worse health-related outcomes and behaviors and has therefore been recognized as a social determinant of health. While health literacy and its potential determinants have been studied in adults, little research has been conducted with children. This study aims to address this research gap by investigating factors associated with children’s subjective health literacy. Cross-sectional data was collected from fourth graders at German schools with a self-report questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, health-related attitudes, and motivation were analyzed. We used hierarchical multivariate linear regression to explain variance in the dependent variable “subjective health literacy”. A total of n = 907 fourth graders were surveyed. Regarding health literacy, eight out of ten participants (82.2%) reported that it was “rather easy” or “very easy” to deal with health-related information. Family affluence, but not language spoken at home, was significantly related to subjective health literacy, after controlling for confounding. Moreover, parental health orientation, self-efficacy, and motivation are factors significantly associated with health literacy. Based on the results of this study, it is hypothesized that a general motivation to learn new things about health, as well as an environment promoting health-positive behavior, might foster children’s health literacy.

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SELF-REPORTED HEALTH STATUS AND SUBJECTIVE HEALTH LITERACY AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN LITHUANIA

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 423
Author(s):  
Jurate Cesnaviciene ◽  
Stase Ustilaite ◽  
Ausra Kalinkeviciene
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
General Health ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social And Economic Development ◽  
Reported Health ◽  
Self Reported Health Status

Seeking to successfully act in the 21st century, a person should have a relatively big spectrum of abilities and competences; in other words, s/he should develop literacy in a number of spheres. Health literacy is essential for a person’s daily capability to manage own health and the quality of life, which is dependent on it. It is significant for the social and economic development of the society. The purpose of the research was to identify the relationships between subjective health literacy and self-reported health status among young adults in Lithuania. The methods of the research included the analysis, interpretation and generalisation of scientific literature on the topic of research, as well as anonymous questionnaire survey. Self-reported health status was ascertained by a single WHO recommended question: “How is your health in general?” Subjective health literacy of young adults was measured using an HLS-EU-Q-47 questionnaire. The survey was conducted in 2014. The research sample included 798 young adults. The results showed high correlation between health literacy in the three health relevant areas and general health literacy. Having generalised the research data, it was noted that the young adults with good/very good selfreported health status tend to achieve sufficient or excellent levels of health literacy on health care, disease prevention or health promotion and general health literacy.

scholarly journals Online Survey for the Assessment of Generic Health Literacy among Adolescents in Germany (GeKoJu): Study Protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Kathrin M. Loer ◽  
Olga Maria Domanska ◽  
Ronny Kuhnert ◽  
Robin Houben ◽  
Stefan Albrecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Health Services Use ◽  
Subjective Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

The promotion of health literacy at a young age can protect, maintain and improve health across the life course. Yet to date, a sound data basis on adolescent health literacy as a requirement for the development of strategies to promote health literacy has not been given. This paper presents a study protocol for the online survey “Health Literacy Among Adolescents” (GeKoJu) that collects the first nation-wide representative data on self-reported generic health among adolescents aged 14–17 years in Germany. The objectives of the survey are (1) to assess the distribution of generic health literacy among adolescents in Germany, (2) to identify socio-demographic and social factors in regard to health literacy and (3) to assess the association of health literacy and health-related outcomes. The cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2019 through December 2019. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling strategy was applied. Individuals invited to participate in the survey (N = 6608) were randomly selected among German-speaking adolescents aged 14–17 years, with permanent residence in Germany. Generic health literacy is measured with the “Measurement of Health Literacy Among Adolescents-Questionnaire” (MOHLAA-Q). Data collection also covers questions on health behavior, subjective health status, personal and social resources, socio-demographic and social factors and health services use. Results of the GeKoJu survey will provide data for the development of strategies to promote generic health literacy among families, in schools, communities and health care.

scholarly journals Health literacy and use of healthcare services among community-dwelling older adults living with chronic conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Dufour ◽  
Anaϊs Lacasse ◽  
Maud-Christine Chouinard ◽  
Yohann Chiu ◽  
Sarah Lafontaine
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Correlation Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adequate Health Literacy ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: Only 12% of the Canadian older adults have adequate health literacy (HL) to understand and handle health information sufficiently. A descriptive correlation study was conducted to describe HL and to examine its relationship with healthcare services use among community-dwelling older adults living with chronic conditions in a distant region of Quebec, Canada.Methods: Data was collected through self-report instruments including the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ), which assesses HL on nine dimensions.Results: Based on health characteristics of the nine HLQ dimensions, the results showed significant differences between subgroups of participants as well as a negative association between the HLQ dimension Appraisal of Health Information and the number of consultations with healthcare professionals (incidence rate ratio: 0.66; p = .027).Conclusions: The results highlight the need to improve older adults HL, in order to improve their health status and use of healthcare services.

Abstract WP453: Factors Associated With Dietary Patterns For Stroke Prevention In Young Adults

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy M Perrin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Perceived Competence ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Dietary Recommendations

Background/Purpose Hypertension, diabetes, and obesity have contributed to increased stroke rates in young adults; these risk factors are more prevalent among young adult African Americans (YAAA). Cardiovascular risk factors often result from poor lifestyle choices—diet; therefore preventable, as with most strokes. The purpose of this secondary data analysis was to explore relationships among perceptions of stroke risk, competence to live a healthy lifestyle, health literacy, and dietary patterns to reduce stroke risk in YAAA. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational analysis was conducted using baseline data from the Stroke Counseling for Risk Reduction (SCORRE) study. SCORRE was guided by the Health Belief Model and used self-report questionnaires and biophysiological measures to assess the variables of interest in a community-based sample. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman’s Rho correlations and ANOVA. Results: Participants ( N =116) had a mean age of 25 ( SD =4.5) years, were mostly female (74%), college students, and averaged three modifiable stroke risk factors. Participants had poor dietary patterns based on the five AHA Life Simple 7 ® dietary recommendations; they averaged 1.6 ( SD =1.0). Participants perceived a low risk of future stroke ( M =2.5, SD =2.2); 53% had inaccurate risk perceptions. Health literacy levels ( M =4.4,SD=1.1) and perceived competence to live healthy (M=5.9, SD=1.1) were high. There was no association with health literacy/accuracy of perceived stroke risk ( p =.064); health literacy did not moderate the relationship between perceived competence to live healthy and dietary patterns. However, higher perceived risk of future stroke ( r s = -.22, p =.020) and lower perceived competence to live healthy ( r s =.27, p =.003) were significantly associated with poorer dietary patterns. Conclusions: As the incidence of stroke in young adults increases, the need for primary prevention interventions that focus on YAAA and dietary behaviors is paramount, regardless of health literacy levels. Assessing the perceived risk of future stroke and perceived competence to live healthy could help to identify those YAAA who may need more education and resources to achieve dietary recommendations for stroke risk reduction.

scholarly journals Mental Health Literacy, Stigma, and Access to Services among Young Adults in Tunisia

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarra Eddahiri ◽  
Katherine Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Survey Results

Background: There is limited research on mental health literacy and stigmatization attitudes towards mental illness in Tunisia, despite the increasing need for such research to better understand its complexity in a specific country context. Using an exploratory mixed-method approach this study attempted to assess the needs and perceptions about mental health within a population of Tunis-based young adults. Methods: A sample of 80 participants completed an online survey on different aspects of mental health attitudes, mental illness literacy and stigma, with a subset of survey participants participating in one-on-one interviews. Results: Survey results show that 77% of respondents completely agreed or somewhat agreed that they would like to learn more about mental health. This study also found that 68% of the sample reported a lack of accessibility to mental healthcare services resulting in 49% reporting their preference to search their symptoms on the internet instead of informing someone. Throughout the interviews phase, the main factors identified to have a crucial impact on young adults' choice to openly communicate feelings and thoughts with each other and to seek professional help are: culture, gender roles, sexual orientation, and family approval. Conclusion: This study suggests a great desire among young adults to learn more about mental health, and highlights the cultural complexities regarding mental health stigmatization in Tunisia. It also highlights the need for culturally relevant approaches raising awareness about mental health.

scholarly journals Clinicians’ Perspectives on Innovative Naturalistic Observations of Families in Therapy

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaminka N Mangelsdorf ◽  
Rowena Conroy ◽  
Matthias R. Mehl ◽  
Eva Alisic
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Normal Family ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Observational Methods ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Multimethod Approach ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Barriers To Use

Objective: What happens in the home is a key topic of psychological therapy with families, yet direct observation of this behavior is rarely feasible. Self-report measures can offer insights, however some aspects of “normal” family life can be difficult to articulate. The Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR; Mehl, 2017) is a naturalistic observational audio-recording app that has been used with families in research settings, yet it has never been adapted for therapy. The present study aimed to explore psychologists’ perspectives on the use of naturalistic observational methods (especially the EAR) within therapy, as well as their current use of such methods.Methods: Registered psychologists (N = 69) from seven English-speaking countries completed an online survey. Seventeen of these psychologists also listened to five audio snippets and completed an interview focusing on how the EAR recordings might add to their understanding of a fictitious clinical case, as well as any barriers to use of the EAR.Results: Naturalistic observation was scarcely used in routine practice by these psychologists who work with children, parents and/or families. Barriers to use included that these methods might be impractical, ethically risky, invalid, unnecessary and potentially uncomfortable for clients and clinicians. However, clinicians also highlighted the potential benefits of these methods for informing formulations, hypotheses and treatment planning through a multimethod approach. The paper discussed management of ethical and practical issues.Conclusions: The EAR represents a promising tool for therapy with families, however ethical and practical issues must be considered prior to its utilization in clinical practice.

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