scholarly journals Health Promotion, Collaboration, and Outreach: Creating Space for Health Literacy at a Specialized, Academic Research Library

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-21
Author(s):  
Billy Tringali
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Real World ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Cultural Climate ◽  
Health Experts

In the current cultural climate, the ability to engage with and understand health resources is more important than ever. Health literacy, broadly, describes an individual’s ability to process health information and use it to make sound medical choices. In relation, health promotion adapts health literacy to focus on people’s ability to lead healthy lives. While many public librarians are actively engaged in health literacy services to their patrons, far fewer academic librarians report such engagement. This paper aims to demystify health literacy and health promotion for a library audience, along with providing real world examples of collaborating with health experts and turning a library into a built environment that encourages the growth of health literacy skills.

scholarly journals An Investigation of the Level of E-health Literacy in South Africa

10.29007/jjrb ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dolly Posiliti ◽  
Liezel Cilliers
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
South Africans ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Education And Awareness

E-health resources are widely used in the healthcare field, by health professionals, patients and the general public. However, to utilise e-health resources an individual needs to possess the basic e-health literacy skills that will enable them to process health information effectively. E-health literacy consists of six basic literacy skills namely tradi- tional and numeracy skills, computer, media, science, in-formation and health literacy skills that individuals need to possess in order to use e-health resources effectively. The concept of e-health literacy is a growing field of research worldwide but has lacked investigation in South Africa. This paper investigated the level of e-health literacy skills of South Africans. The study made use of a qualitative, inductive research approach and a structured literature review to identify the relevant academic studies that have been done in South Africa. Eleven studies were included in the final analysis. The study found that only parts of the e-health literacy skills have been investigated in South Africa, and it was concluded that South Africans have limited skills that enable them to seek health information independently. The study recommends that the lev-el of e-health literacy among South African be improved through education and awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of taking control of owns health in order to improve the health of all South Africans.

scholarly journals Utility of medicines information leaflets in hypertensive care in a setting with low health literacy: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 239920262091003
Author(s):  
Mtungwazi Kudzinesta ◽  
Mwangana Mubita ◽  
Francis Kalemeera ◽  
Brian Godman ◽  
Ester Hango ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Information Leaflets ◽  
Medicines Information ◽  
Low Health Literacy

Introduction: Higher levels of health literacy improve utilization of health information, medication adherence and outcomes. Few studies evaluate the utility of medicines information in hypertensive care in settings with low health literacy. Aim: To determine the level of health literacy and utility of medicines information leaflets (MILs) among hypertensive patients in public health care in Namibia. Methods: A hospital-based survey among hypertensive patients receiving care at a referral hospital in Namibia from the 8 June 2018 to 29 June 2018. Patient’s health literacy and utility of MIL were assessed using three literacy tools and a survey questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic content analysis for factors associate with the utility of the MIL. Results: Of the 139 patients, 63% were female and the mean age was 45.7 (range: 19.0–84.0) years. Over 85.6% had of low literacy skills (Rapid Estimate of Literacy in Medicine (REALM) score <44, that is, unable to read simple health materials), 38.8% had positive Single Item Literacy Screener (SILS) scores (⩾2, require help to read medicines information) and 66.9% had inadequate skills for comprehension, appraisal and decision-making with regard to health information (Health Literacy Skills Instrument-Short Form (HLSI-SF) score <70%). The level of access to and utility of MIL were low, 32.4% and 34.6%, respectively. The main factors associated with poor utility of the MIL were low patient health literacy, lack of guidelines on the use of MIL and MIL written in non-native languages. Conclusion: Low rates of health literacy and utility of MIL were observed among hypertensive patients in Namibia. The integration of health literacy programmes, and MIL guidelines are needed to promote utility of medicine information and improve medication adherence.

Indonesian Student Nurses’ E-Health Literacy Skills

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dame Elysabeth Tarihoran ◽  
Dian Anggraini ◽  
Enni Juliani ◽  
Ressa Ressa ◽  
Ihlus Fardan
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Nursing Student ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ehealth Literacy

Background: Nurses should have a good level of e-health literacy to help patients utilize e-health information. Objective: To measure e-health literacy skills and contribute factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 2209 nursing student in Indonesia (October–November 2019) using eHeals. Result: The overall eHealth literacy was 4 (Scale 1–5). There were statistically significant differences between e-Heals score with contribute factors (<0.001). Conclusion: Indonesian nursing students already have basic necessary skills of e-health.

scholarly journals Cultural health literacy: the experiences of Māori in palliative care

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacquie Kidd ◽  
Stella Black ◽  
Rawiri Blundell ◽  
Tamati Peni
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Palliative Care Setting ◽  
Maori Health

Abstract: Health literacy is a concept that is frequently applied to the patient’s ability to find and comprehend health information. However, recent literature has included the skill of the health professional and the accessibility of health resources as important factors in the level of health literacy achieved by individuals and populations. In 2014 a qualitative study undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand, investigated the context of health literacy for Māori in a palliative care setting (Māori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand). The study included the experiences of patients, whānau (families), and health professionals. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews were held with 21 patients, whānau and six key informants: a medical specialist, a service leader involved in developing culturally specific responses to patients, two Māori service managers, and two Māori health team leaders. Focus groups were held with a total of 54 health professionals providing palliative care services. Data analysis: A thematic analysis was undertaken using a general inductive approach. The trustworthiness and reliability of the analysis was supported by sharing analysis of the transcripts among the research team. Member checking or respondent validation was used in seeking confirmation of the interim findings at five hui (meetings) with the research communities involved. Findings: This study found that the shock and grief that attends a life-limiting illness made hearing and processing health information very difficult for patients and whānau. Further, ‘hard conversations’ about moving from active treatment to palliative care were often avoided by health professionals, leaving patients and whānau distressed and confused about their choices and prognosis. Finally, poor cultural health literacy on the part of organisations has likely impacted on late access to or avoidance of palliative care for Māori.

P202 Are Chinese immigrants with CVD ready to use web-based health information: a comparative study in Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Zhang ◽  
D Ding ◽  
R Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Chinese Immigrants ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Healthy Group

Abstract Background Immigrant populations often have poor access to cardiovascular disease (CVD) secondary prevention due to linguistic and cultural barriers. Web-based interventions are effective in risk reduction and lifestyle modification and may reach those hard-to-reach populations such as Chinese immigrants. However, less is known about the current use of web-based health information and confidence in use. Purposes We compared the use of web-based health information and confidence in use between Chinese immigrants with CVD to those with and without another chronic condition; and explored the factors associated with the confidence in utilization. Methods Chinese immigrants with CVD, musculoskeletal conditions, or no chronic condition were recruited from Chinese communities across New South Wales, Australia. E-health literacy scale was used to explore the perceptions of web-based health information and confidence in use. Demographic, clinical data and use of web-based health information were collected and health literacy was measured using a validated single screening question. Results Participants (n = 90 CVD, n = 87 musculoskeletal, n = 154 no chronic conditions) were aged mean 59 ± 16 years, mostly female (69%), 75% reported fair to poor English proficiency, and 51% had completed university. The most accessed web-based health information concerned lifestyle (60%), health resources (45%), diseases (35%), and medications (30%). More than half (54%) were confident in using web-based health information. Participants with CVD were the oldest (71 vs 65 vs 49 years, p&lt;.001) and participants with any chronic condition had less education (p&lt;.001) and English proficiency (p&lt;.001) than the healthy group. Approximately half of the participants with CVD perceived web-based health information as useful (48%) and important (46%), and the most accessed information concerned lifestyle and medication (56% and 32%). Participants with CVD accessed medication information more often than musculoskeletal group (32% vs 23%), but there was no difference in accessing other information. Both chronic groups showed no difference in accessing web-based medication and lifestyle information compared with the healthy group. Confidence in using web-based health information was similar for CVD and musculoskeletal groups and lower than the healthy group (p&lt;.001). Participants with the least confidence to use web-based health information were older (p=.016), female (p=.014), had less than university level education (p&lt;.001), and lower health literacy (p=.001) after adjusting for age, gender, education, English proficiency, employment status, social support, health literacy, and number of chronic conditions. Conclusions There is a strong potential to provide web-based medication and lifestyle information for Chinese immigrants with CVD if support is provided to improve confidence in this technology for older, women, and those with less education and/or health literacy.

Interactive Communication Tools for Health Education

2011 ◽  
pp. 827-837
Author(s):  
Machi Suka ◽  
Katsumi Yoshida
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Interactive Communication ◽  
Leading Mode ◽  
Provide Health Education

This chapter introduces an interactive communication tool, the ‘HRA System’. The recent rapid penetration of the Internet has made it a leading mode for gathering and sharing health information. People who access information on the Internet differ considerably in their ‘health literacy’, or the ability to understand and act on health information. The HRA System was developed in an effort to promote health education among people with inadequate health literacy. The system was designed in accordance with the clients’ health literacy skills, as well as the clients’ computer skills. A number of healthcare providers have registered with our research group to provide health education using the HRA System to the general public. The authors provide some ideas regarding how to apply interactive communication technology to health education successfully.

Multimorbidity and health literacy: A population-based survey among 28,627 Danish adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 140349482110459
Author(s):  
Sofie Emilie Pedersen ◽  
Anna Aaby ◽  
Karina Friis ◽  
Helle Terkildsen Maindal
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Population Based Survey

Aim: Individuals with multimorbidity often have complex healthcare needs challenging their health literacy skills. This study aimed to investigate the association between the number of physical conditions and health literacy and to examine the difference in health literacy levels between individuals with multimorbidity based on physical conditions and individuals with additional mental disorders. Methods: Respondents aged 25 years or older from a Danish population-based survey were included ( N = 28,627). Multimorbidity was assessed based on 18 self-reported chronic conditions; health literacy was measured using two scales from the Health Literacy Questionnaire focusing on understanding health information and engaging with healthcare providers. Associations were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: We found a positive association between number of physical conditions and the odds of having difficulties in understanding health information and engaging with healthcare providers. For example, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of having difficulties in understanding health information was 1.45 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–1.94) for individuals with two physical conditions compared with individuals without multimorbidity. The associations formed a positive exposure–response pattern. Furthermore, respondents with both mental and physical conditions had more than twice the odds of having health literacy difficulties compared to respondents with only physical conditions (adjusted OR 2.53 (95% CI 2.02–3.18) and 2.28 (95% CI 1.92–2.72) for the scales, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest that responding to patients’ health literacy needs is crucial for individuals with multimorbidity – especially those with combined mental and physical conditions.

Health Literacy in Hospital Outpatient Waiting Areas: An Observational Study of What Is Available to and Accessed by Consumers

2020 ◽  
pp. 193758672095454
Author(s):  
Cassie E. McDonald ◽  
Louisa J. Remedios ◽  
Catherine M. Said ◽  
Catherine L. Granger
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Outpatient Rehabilitation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Outpatient ◽  
Health Information Resources

Aim To investigate: (1) the types of health information, resources, and supports available to consumers in hospital outpatient waiting areas and (2) whether these are accessed by consumers. Background Outpatient waiting areas commonly offer health information, resources, and supports to improve the health literacy of waiting consumers. It is not known what is available to or accessed by consumers in hospital outpatient rehabilitation waiting areas. Methods A multicenter, prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in the waiting areas of two hospital outpatient rehabilitation services. Direct observations (in person and video recordings) of the waiting areas were used to describe what health information, resources, and supports were available and, if present, what was being accessed and for how long by consumers. Results Fifteen hours of in-person and video-recorded observations were documented on purpose-designed instruments across the two sites during 18 observation sessions over 8 days. A total of 68 different health information and resources were identified. Approximately half were specifically for consumers (Site 1: 57%; Site 2: 53%). Only seven (10%) were accessed by consumers across both sites. Each resource ( n = 7) was only accessed once. Health resources were used by consumers for 0.8% (3/360 min) of the observation time at each site. Health and social supports and use of other non health resources were also observed. Conclusions Available health information, resources, and supports were infrequently and briefly accessed by consumers. Further research is required to explore what consumers want and need to improve the health literacy responsiveness of hospital outpatient waiting areas.

scholarly journals Differences in Memory, Perceptions, and Preferences of Multimedia Consumer Medication Information: Experimental Performance and Self-Report Study

10.2196/15913 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e15913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Monkman ◽  
Andre W Kushniruk ◽  
Elizabeth M Borycki ◽  
Debra J Sheets ◽  
Jeffrey Barnett
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Omnibus Test ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Medication Information ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Text Images

Background Electronic health resources are becoming prevalent. However, consumer medication information (CMI) is still predominantly text based. Incorporating multimedia into CMI (eg, images, narration) may improve consumers’ memory of the information as well as their perceptions and preferences of these materials. Objective This study examined whether adding images and narration to CMI impacted patients’ (1) memory, (2) perceptions of comprehensibility, utility, or design quality, and (3) overall preferences. Methods We presented 36 participants with CMI in 3 formats: (1) text, (2) text + images, and (3) narration + images, and subsequently asked them to recall information. After seeing all 3 CMI formats, participants rated the formats in terms of comprehensibility, utility, and design quality, and ranked them from most to least favorite. Results Interestingly, no significant differences in memory were observed (F2,70=0.1, P=0.901). Thus, this study did not find evidence to support multimedia or modality principles in the context of CMI. Despite the absence of effects on memory, the CMI format significantly impacted perceptions of the materials. Specifically, participants rated the text + images format highest in terms of comprehensibility (χ22=26.5, P<.001) and design quality (χ22=35.69, P<.001). Although the omnibus test suggested a difference in utility ratings as well (χ22=8.21, P=.016), no significant differences were found after correcting for multiple comparisons. Consistent with perception findings, the preference ranks yielded a significant difference (χ22=26.00, P<.001), whereby participants preferred the text + images format overall. Indeed, 75% (27/36) of participants chose the text + images format as their most favorite. Thus, although there were no objective memory differences between the formats, we observed subjective differences in comprehensibility, design quality, and overall preferences. Conclusions This study revealed that although multimedia did not appear to influence memory of CMI, it did impact participants’ opinions about the materials. The lack of observed differences in memory may have been due to ceiling effects, memory rather than understanding as an index of learning, the fragmented nature of the information in CMI itself, or the size or characteristics of the sample (ie, young, educated subjects with adequate health literacy skills). The differences in the subjective (ie, perceptions and preferences) and objective (ie, memory) results highlight the value of using both types of measures. Moreover, findings from this study could be used to inform future research on how CMI could be designed to better suit the preferences of consumers and potentially increase the likelihood that CMI is used. Additional research is warranted to explore whether multimedia impacts memory of CMI under different conditions (eg, older participants, subjects with lower levels of health literacy, more difficult stimuli, or extended time for decay).

scholarly journals Tingkat Literasi Kesehatan Pasien Diabetes Mellitus Tipe 2 Di Puskesmas Kota Tomohon

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vina Putri Patandung ◽  
Kusrini Kadar ◽  
Kadek Ayu Erika
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Critical Health Literacy ◽  
Health Literacy Level ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Literacy Level

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease with high level of complexity that requires extensive education and self-care management. The demands on individuals with T2DM are complicated by the fact that self-care often depends on printed educational materials and high health literacy skills. Every individual who needs health information and services also needs health literacy skills to find health information and services, communicating needs, respond to and using the information and obtaining health services, understanding health information, and finding realible health information and services to suit all needs, making the right decision to act. This study aims to determine the level of functional, communicative, and critical health literacy of T2DM patients at Pangolombian and Kakaskasen Public Health Centre of Tomohon City, as well as factors related to the level of health literacy. Method: Quantitative descriptive to describe the level of health literacy and correlation to see factors related to the patient's health literacy level. The sample of this study was a patient of T2DM who followed prolanis, amounted to 34 people, determined by using purposive sampling. Data were obtained by interview and using demographic characteristics questionnaire and Functional, Communicative, and Critical Health Literacy questionnaires. Result: Generally, health literacy level of T2DM patients is still low both for functional, communicative, and critical. This can happen because of various factors but the most related is the low access to health information and patient education level. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that health literacy level of T2DM patient in Tomohon city is still very low. This happened because access to health information is still less obtained by patients and also their education level is still low. These results can be used as recommendations for health workers to pay more attention to how to educate patients who should be adjusted to the level of education so that the information provided can be put to good use by the patient.

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