scholarly journals Correlation Between eHealth Literacy and Health Literacy Using the eHealth Literacy Scale and Real-Life Experiences in the Health Sector as a Proxy Measure of Functional Health Literacy: Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Del Giudice ◽  
Giulia Bravo ◽  
Marco Poletto ◽  
Anna De Odorico ◽  
Alessandro Conte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Field

BACKGROUND The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) is a tool for the self-assessment of perceived comfort and skills in using the internet as a source for health-related information. Although evidence exists of the reliability and construct and structural validity of the scale, there is a lack of evidence in relation to what is proposed by Norman and Skinner in their theoretical lily model of eHealth literacy; in particular it is not clear whether having a higher level of health literacy can positively influence electronic health (eHealth) literacy as measured by the eHEALS. OBJECTIVE Our study aim was to assess whether real-life experiences from studying or working in the health field, as a proxy of higher functional health literacy, correlate with self-referred eHealth literacy as measured by the eHEALS. METHODS A Web-based survey was conducted among adults living in Northeast Italy using an Italian version of the eHEALS (IT-eHEALS). In order to be able to measure the effect of higher functional health literacy on eHealth literacy, we divided our sample into two groups, respectively characterized by studying or working experience in the health sector and by lack thereof. Mean differences between eHEALS were calculated using t test and effect size evaluated using Cohen d. To ensure the validity of the IT-eHEALS, we evaluated its psychometric properties (internal consistency and dimensionality) and construct validity (by evaluating its correlation with respondents age, gender, educational attainment, self-rated health, use of internet for health-related purposes, and working status). RESULTS A total of 868 respondents that completed the IT-eHEALS were included for analysis, of which 259 had working or studying experience in the health field. Mean (SD) eHEALS total score was 28.2 (6.2) for the whole sample, with statistically significant differences (P<.001) between the two groups, with the higher health literate group scoring significantly better (31.9 (5.9) vs 26.7 (5.6), respectively), with a standardized mean difference (Cohen d) of 0.9. Interestingly, we found a weak, yet significant, correlation between eHealth literacy and respondent characteristics for the higher health literate group only, as measured by positive Spearman correlation coefficients for age (0.11, P=.001), educational attainment (0.19, P=.002) and self-rated health (0.14, P=.024). Also, in line with current literature, correlation of eHEALS score with frequency of internet use for health-related purposes was significant for both groups (0.32, P<.001 and 0.15, P<.001 for higher and lower health literacy group, respectively). In our study we could not find any difference related to gender, while a significant difference for working status was only present when considering the sample as a whole (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates a sizeable effect of higher levels of functional health literacy on the eHEALS score, corroborating what was initially proposed by Norman and Skinner in the lily model of eHealth literacy.

Defining Taiwanese children’s health literacy abilities from a health promotion perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 69-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Ling Liao ◽  
Chieh-Hsing Liu ◽  
Chi-Chia Cheng ◽  
Tzu-Chau Chang
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Operational Definition ◽  
Children's Health ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Children’S Health ◽  
Measurement Tool

Background: Health literacy is related to health inequality, health behaviors, and health status. Globally, health literacy has primarily focused on adults and has been based on the medical model. It is necessary to understand children’s life experiences as they relate to health; thus, this study attempted to evaluate and describe the health literacy abilities of sixth-graders in Taiwan. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 10 teachers and 11 caregivers, and focus groups were conducted with 32 children. Health literacy abilities corresponding to real-life situations were identified from life skills and the Taiwanese Curriculum Guidelines for health education. Three expert meetings were held to redefine children’s health literacy using a health promotion perspective and confirmed indicators. Results: An operational definition of three aspects of children’s health literacy and 25 abilities was proposed: 11 functional health literacy abilities (e.g. understands the connection between personal health care behaviors and health); seven interactive health literacy abilities (e.g. obtains and understands information from various channels); and seven critical health literacy abilities (e.g. analyzes the relationship between personal needs and diet choices for a balanced diet). These indicators cover 10 health education categories. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of understanding Taiwanese children’s health literacy, and the urgency of developing an appropriate measurement tool. The definition and indicators in this study were identified using a child-centered approach focusing on children’s real-life experiences. The result serves as a solid basis for the development of the Taiwan Children’s Health Literacy Scale, and provides information for the decision-making sector on health education.

scholarly journals Health Literacy in Web-Based Health Information Environments: Systematic Review of Concepts, Definitions, and Operationalization for Measurement (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Maija Huhta ◽  
Noora Hirvonen ◽  
Maija-Leena Huotari
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Conceptual Development ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Specific Concept

BACKGROUND Health literacy research seems to lack a consensus on what aspects to include into literacy in the context of health and on how to operationalize these concepts for measurement purposes. In addition to health literacy, several other concepts, such as electronic health (eHealth) literacy and mental health literacy, have been developed across disciplines. This study examines how these different concepts are used when studying health-related competencies in Web contexts. OBJECTIVE This study systematically reviews health literacy concepts and definitions and their operationalization in studies focused on Web-based health information environments. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in April 2016 in 6 electronic databases with a limitation to articles in English published between January 2011 and April 2016. Altogether, 1289 unique records were identified and screened according to the predefined inclusion criteria: (1) original, peer-reviewed research articles written in English; (2) the topic of the article concerned literacy in the context of health; (3) informants of the study were lay people, not health professionals or students of the field; and (4) the focus of the study was placed on an Web-based information environment. In total, 180 full texts were screened, of which 68 were included in the review. The studies were analyzed with an emphasis on the used health literacy concepts and measures. RESULTS On the basis of the included studies, several concepts are in use when studying health-related literacy in Web environments, eHealth literacy and health literacy being the most common ones. The reviewed studies represent a variety of disciplines, but mostly medical sciences. Typically, quantitative research methods are used. On the basis of the definitions for health literacy, 3 thematic categories were identified: general and skill-based, multidimensional, and domain-specific health literacy. Most studies adopted a domain-specific concept, followed by the ones that used a general and skill-based concept. Multidimensional concepts occurred least frequently. The general health literacy concepts were usually operationalized with reading comprehension measures, the domain-specific concepts with self-efficacy measures, and multidimensional concepts with several types of measures. However, inconsistencies in operationalization were identified. CONCLUSIONS The results show that in studies conducted in Web-based information environments, several different health literacy concepts are in use, and there is no clear consensus on the definitions for these concepts. Future studies should place emphasis on the conceptual development of health literacy in Web contexts to gain better results on operationalization for measurement. Researchers are encouraged to provide clear operational definitions for the concepts they use to ensure transparency in reporting.

scholarly journals Limited Functional Health Literacy, Health Information Sources, and Health Behavior among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuko Yoshida ◽  
Hajime Iwasa ◽  
Shu Kumagai ◽  
Takao Suzuki ◽  
Hideyo Yoshida
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Limited Health Literacy ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Limited Health ◽  
Health Information Sources

The objectives of this study were to explore how health information sources vary by functional health literacy levels and the relationship between health literacy and health behaviors among the old-old, community-dwelling adults. A cross-sectional study was used. The sample included 620 participants from a rural community in northern Japan. We used structured questionnaires to gather demographic information and assess health-related behaviors, information sources utilized, and functional health literacy. Functional health literacy scores were categorized into three groups, namely, low, middle, and high literacy. Individuals with limited health literacy were more likely to drink less alcohol, were less physically active, had less dietary variety, and had a low rate of medical check-ups. They were also less likely to use printed media, organization or medical procedure, electronic media, and accessed fewer health-related information sources. This study highlights the necessity of information tools that facilitate better access to information among older adults with limited health literacy.

The relationship between functional health literacy, health-related behaviours, and sociodemographic characteristics of street-involved youth in Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 116-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Padmore Adusei Amoah ◽  
Adwoa Owusuaa Koduah ◽  
Razak Mohammed Gyasi ◽  
Getrude Dadirai Gwenzi ◽  
Uchechi Shirley Anaduaka
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Relationship

scholarly journals Assessing Health Literacy in Iran: An Image in Two Frames

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoda Rastegari ◽  
Peter J. Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Reading Ability ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Low Health Literacy ◽  
Comprehensive Picture ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background: The aim of this study is to draw a comprehensive picture of patients’ functional and critical health literacy and its association with socio-demographic variables and self-efficacy. We investigated the referrals to Isfahan health centers, in particular the dimensions of reading ability, numeracy and eHealth literacy using two different measures, NVS for the functional and the eHEALS for critical aspects. Methods: For testing individuals with low health literacy, the NVS is a reliable and quick screening tool. eHEALS helps to measure patients’ capabilities in Internet searches. Both of tools are validated in Persian. The measures were administered to a random sample (N = 384), which resembled Iran residents in terms, educational attainment and self-efficacy but not age and gender. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, χ2-test, independent t-test and regression were also used to assess the association between health literacy measures, self-efficacy and predictor variables. Results: More than 60% of our respondents had an inadequate or marginal level of health literacy with NVS, and with eHEALS, more than 50% were classified accordingly. NVS and eHEALS scores showed an association with higher education one of the predictors of health literacy. Higher eHEALS scores were associated with higher self-efficacy. eHEALS provides a valid self-reported assessment of patients’ eHealth literacy, and NVS provides a useful appraisal of patients’ functional health literacy. Conclusions: In our sample, more than 50% of patients had a low level of literacy. eHEALS provides a valid self-reported assessment of patients’ eHealth literacy, and NVS provides a useful appraisal of patients’ functional health literacy. Determining health literacy in patients leads to a better understanding of their perception, application and decision-making in health problems.

scholarly journals Effects of an eHealth Intervention on Patient-Provider Interaction and Functional Health Literacy in Adults With Hypertension

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 237796082110058
Author(s):  
Ronald L. Hickman ◽  
John M. Clochesy ◽  
Marym Alaamri
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Attention Control ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Modifiable Factors

Introduction Hypertension is a life-limiting, chronic condition affecting millions of Americans. Modifiable factors, quality of the patient-provider interaction and functional health literacy, have been linked to effective hypertension self-management. However, there has been limited interventional research targeting these modifiable factors. Electronic hypertension self-management interventions, in particular those incorporating virtual simulation, may positively influence the quality of the patient-provider interaction and functional health literacy status of adults with hypertension. Yet there is a dearth of evidence examining the efficacy of eHealth interventions targeting these modifiable factors of hypertension self-management. Objective Evaluate the effects of two electronic hypertension self-management interventions on the quality of the patient-provider interaction and functional health literacy in adults with hypertension. Methods A convenience sample of community-dwelling adults (>18 years) with hypertension were recruited and randomized to an avatar-based simulation (eSMART-HTN) or a video presentation on hypertension self-management (attention control). Participants were administered questionnaires to capture demographic characteristics, the quality of the patient-provider interaction, and functional health literacy. Questionnaire data were collected at baseline, and then monthly across three months. Two separate repeated measures analysis of covariance models were conducted to assess the effects of the interventions across the time points. Results The sample included 109 participants who were predominately middle-aged and older, nonwhite, and female. Scores for the quality of the patient-provider interaction demonstrated significant within-group changes across time. However, there were no significant differences in the quality of the patient-provider interaction or functional health literacy scores between experimental conditions while adjusting for covariates. Conclusion An avatar-based simulation (eSMART-HTN) intervention proved to have a positive effect on patient-provider interaction compared to an attention control condition. Although the results are promising, future research is needed to optimize the effectiveness of eSMART-HTN and enhance its efficacy and scalability in a larger cohort of adults with hypertension.

scholarly journals HEALTH LITERACY OF INDIVIDUALS UNDERGOING DIALYSIS THERAPY

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica Naylla de Melo Bezerra ◽  
Sara Rebeca de Oliveira Lessa ◽  
Marcelo Francisco do Ó ◽  
Givaneide Oliveira de Andrade Luz ◽  
Anna Karla de Oliveira Tito Borba
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
P Value ◽  
Functional Health Literacy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Adequate Health Literacy

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the functional levels of health literacy in individuals undergoing dialysis. Method: a cross-sectional study with 42 patients of the Nephrology Unit of a public hospital in Recife, Brazil, from May to August 2016. Data were collected through scripted interviews and chart analysis. Functional health literacy was measured using the Brazilian version of the Short-Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®) software, version 18.0, with a univariate analysis to verify the association between independent variables and functional health literacy levels using Fisher's exact test. Results: 80.9% of the patients presented inadequate health literacy and 19.1% presented adequate health literacy. The number of correct answers remained between 0-18 in the reading comprehension and in the scheduling appointment card. Among the independent variables, only marital status (p-value=0.018) and personal income (p-value=0.009) were factors associated with the worst scores in the test, indicating that these variables influence the increase in inadequate literacy. Conclusion: the prevalence of inadequate functional literacy was high, reflecting difficulties in understanding and processing health information, which may interfere with therapeutic management and self-care.

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