scholarly journals Health Literacy Knowledge and Experiences of Nursing Students at a South African University

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisca Mibei ◽  
Felicity Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Health Literacy ◽  
Literacy Knowledge

A worldwide high prevalence of low health literacy has been reported, and despite the emergence of health literacy as a better determinant of health than socio-economic status, it is alarming that little attention is being accorded to training health workers on health literacy practices. This study thus sought to describe the health literacy knowledge and experiences of nursing students gained during training in order to establish a basis that will inform future health literacy training. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out using a questionnaire to establish the health literacy knowledge and experience of 82 nursing students. Data were analysed using descriptive as well as inferential statistics. The students exhibited unsatisfactory health literacy knowledge as measured by the questionnaire, with an average score of 73 per cent, with knowledge gaps in some areas – for example with regard to the effect of low health literacy on patient health outcomes and identification of patients with low health literacy. Their health literacy experience was also lacking, with students only reporting some experience in the use of written materials in providing patient education. The results portray that the emphasis of health literacy in the curriculum failed to have a sufficient effect on health literacy knowledge.

scholarly journals A Comparative Analysis of Student and Practising Nurses’ Health Literacy Knowledge in Ghana

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Adwoa Owusuaa Koduah ◽  
Padmore Adusei Amoah ◽  
Jacob Oppong Nkansah ◽  
Angela Y. M. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Literacy Knowledge

This study examined student and practising nurses’ health literacy knowledge, and its correlates in Ghana. It was underpinned by an adapted version of the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) conceptual framework of health literacy. We used convenience and snowball sampling techniques to collect data from 876 nurses (477 student nurses and 399 practising nurses) in a cross-sectional survey from February 2019 to June 2019. The respondents were drawn from all the former ten administrative regions of Ghana. Approximately 75.4% of the respondents had heard of health literacy. However, health literacy knowledge was generally low (average score of 6.6 out of 20) among both groups, with student nurses (average score of 5.8 out of 20) having significantly lower scores than practising nurses (average score of 7.4 out of 20). Factors associated with health literacy knowledge among student nurses included gender (male, B = −0.499, p < 0.01), trust in others (B = −0.874, p < 0.001), cultural values (B = 0.276, p < 0.001), year of study (B = 0.244, p < 0.05), and frequency of curative care use (B = −0.236, p < 0.05). For practising nurses, trust (B = −1.252, p < 0.01), cultural values (B = 0.357, p < 0.01), and working experience (B = 0.612, p < 0.01) were associated with their health literacy knowledge. Thus, responses targeted at gaps in health literacy knowledge of student and practising nurses must be sensitive to personal characteristics (e.g., gender), social values (e.g., issues of trust, and cultural beliefs and practices), as well as factors relating to nursing education and experience.

scholarly journals Misconceptions about traumatic brain injury among nursing students in India: implications for nursing care and curriculum

BMC Nursing ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jothimani Gurusamy ◽  
Sailaxmi Gandhi ◽  
Senthil Amudhan ◽  
Kathyayani B. Veerabhadraiah ◽  
Padmavathi Narayanasamy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Common Misconceptions

Abstract Background Despite the devastating consequences of Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), TBI misconceptions are common among healthcare professionals. As an essential member of multi-professional team providing TBI care, it is important that nurses have correct information and adequate skills to achieve the best possible outcomes for TBI. For example, some common misconceptions about TBIs are that a second blow to the head can improve memory functioning and wearing seatbelts can cause as many brain injuries as it prevents. In India, perhaps such misconceptions towards TBI among nursing professionals were not yet documented. As nursing students form the future health workforce, understanding TBI misconceptions among nursing students in resource-limited settings like India will provide useful information for strengthening the nursing curricula for improved care and rehabilitation of TBIs. Methods We used a cross-sectional survey to study the TBI misconceptions among nursing students in India. A Common Misconceptions about Traumatic Brain Injury (CM-TBI) questionnaire was administered to 154 nursing students from a nursing college of a tertiary care neuro-centre in India. The mean percentage of misconceptions were calculated for 7-domains of CM-TBI. T-test for independent samples and ANOVA were used to study the association of misconception with socio-demographic variables using total score for each respondent. Results Of the 143 nursing students who completed the survey, majority of them were female (97%) and in the 19-20 year age-group (95.1%). Domain on brain damage (81.1%) had highest rate, while amnesia domain (42.0%) had lowest rate of misconception. The overall mean-score was 22.73 (Standard Deviation: 4.69) which was significantly higher than the median score of 19.5. The study did not show significant differences on overall misconceptions about TBI for any of the socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusions Misconceptions about TBIs were common among nursing students and it was pervasive irrespective of age, gender, place of residence and year of education. A need to strengthen nursing curriculum in the area of TBIs has been emphasized for improved care and management of TBIs. The study findings also suggest the need for understanding such misconceptions among other healthcare professionals involved in TBI care.

scholarly journals Health Literacy is Associated with Health Behaviors in Students from Vocational Education and Training Schools: A Danish Population-Based Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Demant Klinker ◽  
Anna Aaby ◽  
Lene Winther Ringgaard ◽  
Anneke Vang Hjort ◽  
Melanie Hawkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Vocational Education ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
And Training

Health literacy has been identified as an important and changeable intermediary determinant of health equity. Vocational education and training (VET) schools are a relevant setting for health behavior interventions seeking to diminish health inequities because many VET students come from low socio-economic status backgrounds. This study examines VET students’ health literacy and its association with health behavior based on a cross-sectional survey among 6119 students from 58 VET schools in Denmark in 2019. Two scales from the Health Literacy Questionnaire was used to assess domains of health literacy. Data were analyzed using Anova and logistic regression. The study population consisted of 43.4% female, and mean age was 24.2 years (range 15.8–64.0). The health literacy domain ‘Actively managing my health’ mean was 2.51, SD 0.66, and ‘Appraisal of health information’ mean was 2.37, SD 0.65. For both domains, being female, older age, attending the VET educational program Care-health-pedagogy, and higher self-rated health were associated with higher scale scores. In the adjusted analyses, lower scale scores were associated with less frequent breakfast, daily smoking, high-risk alcohol behavior and moderate-to-low physical activity. Our results show that low health literacy is associated with unhealthy behaviors in this population. Our results support and inform health literacy research and practice in educational institutions and services.

scholarly journals Health literacy and preparedness of health workers in the private health sector towards the COVID-19 pandemic: Need for integration into the nationwide response

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekaete Tobin ◽  
Vivian Ajekweneh ◽  
Andrew Obi ◽  
Eshan Henshaw
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Private Health Sector

The private health sector has the potential to participate in the COVID-19 pandemic response. The study aimed to assess the health literacy, perceptions, practices, willingness to participate and opportunities for engagement of the private health sector in the COVID-19 response. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among health workers in private health facilities in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial districts of Edo state between May and June 2020. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires and analysis carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Chi-square test of significance and logistic regression were applied at 5% cut off. A total of 153 health workers participated giving a response rate of 75.0%. Eighty-eight (57.5%) respondents had good knowledge of COVID-19 and 80 (52.3%) held negative perceptions towards COVID-19. Ninety-five (62.1%) respondents believed private health facilities had a role to play in the response particularly in the area of suspected case screening (85.4%). Thirty-one (20.3%) respondents indicated their willingness to participate in the COVID-19 response if their facilities were invited to. Sixty-one (39.9%) and 92 (60.1%) respondents respectively held poor and good practices towards COVID- 19 prevention, with practice significantly associated with educational level (χ2 = 14.10, P < 0.01), profession (χ2 = 15.28, P = 0.01). and previous training in infection prevention and control (IPC) (χ2 = 18.16, P < 0.01). The resources available from the private sector to support the response can be harnessed through engagements with medical directors and health workers in the sector to identify areas of collaboration, address identified gaps in knowledge, improve perception and participation.

scholarly journals Factors associated with active aging in Chinese elderly in rural areas of Xiangtan County, China†

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-417
Author(s):  
Xue-Lian Fu ◽  
Jian-Guang Li ◽  
Yin-Li Su ◽  
Hong-Hong Wang ◽  
Yang Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Rural Elderly ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Active Aging ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chinese Elderly ◽  
Number Of Children

Abstract Objectives To explore the level of active aging and correlates among rural elderly in Xiangtan County, China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to November 2019. A total of 945 rural elderly from 3 towns in Xiangtan County, China, were investigated by using the positive aging evaluation questionnaire (PAEQ), the activity of daily living scale (ADL), and the depression in old-age scale (DIA-S). Results The average score in the PAEQ among the rural elderly of Xiangtan County was 72.81 (range = 21–105). A moderate negative correlation was found between the score in the PAEQ and those in the ADL (r = −0.361) and DIA-S (r = −0.495). Symptoms of depression (β: −0.321, P = 0.001), number of chronic diseases (β: −0.281, P = 0.001), subjective economic status (β: 0.239, P = 0.001), ADL (β: −0.196, P = 0.001), education (β: 0.126, P = 0.001), number of children (β: 0.097, P = 0.001), and marital status (β: −0.060, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with levels of active aging in rural elderly, whereas gender and age were not independently related to active aging. Conclusions The level of active aging is at a moderately high level in the Chinese elderly in rural areas in Xiangtan County. The focus group of active aging in rural areas should be elderly people suffering from chronic diseases, physical decline, poor education and economic conditions, childlessness, and those without partners.

scholarly journals Health Literacy: Knowledge and Experience Among Senior Students in A Nursing College

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Trixia S Maduramente ◽  
Jeric D Orendez ◽  
Judelle A Saculo ◽  
Angela Louise A Trinidad ◽  
Ryan Michael F Oducado
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Health Education ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Nursing Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Limited Health Literacy ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing ◽  
Literacy Knowledge ◽  
Literacy Experience

Introduction: Training and education on health literacy must start in the undergraduate nursing program. While nursing schools include health education courses and provide opportunities for nursing students to give healthcare information to individuals in various healthcare settings, there is a dearth of empirical evidence on health literacy in the Philippines. The purpose of this study was to examine the health literacy knowledge and experience of senior nursing students in a College of Nursing in Iloilo City, Philippines. Methods: This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional research design with 160 senior nursing students as participants. Data were gathered using Cormier's (2006) Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience Survey (HL-KES) questionnaire. Descriptive statistical tools, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson’s r were used to analyze the data. Results: Results revealed that majority of senior nursing students had limited health literacy knowledge (M=13.19) and had moderate health literacy experience (M=2.50). No significant differences were found in the knowledge and experience according to sex (p > .05) as well in grade in Health Education course (p > .05). Knowledge of health literacy was not significantly related to health literacy experience (p > .05). Conclusions: Health literacy must be given greater emphasis in the undergraduate nursing curriculum. Nursing schools must pay more attention to devising measures in improving nursing students' health literacy competencies.

scholarly journals Citizen Responses to Government Restrictions in Switzerland During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey

10.2196/20871 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. e20871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Selby ◽  
Marie-Anne Durand ◽  
Alexandre Gouveia ◽  
Francesca Bosisio ◽  
Gaia Barazzetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Literacy Knowledge ◽  
Lower Health ◽  
The Government ◽  
Lower Health Literacy

Background The success of government-recommended mitigation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic depends largely on information uptake and implementation by individual citizens. Objective Our aim was to assess citizens’ knowledge and perceptions about COVID-19 recommendations in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Methods A cross-sectional electronic survey with open and closed questions was disseminated by community-based partners prior to the relaxation of government restrictions. Outcomes included citizen knowledge (9-question measure) and worry about the virus, perception of government measures, and recommendations for improvements. Comparisons used linear regression, controlling for age, sex, education, and health literacy. Free-text answers were analyzed thematically. Results Of 807 people who accessed the survey, 684 (85%) completed all questions and 479 (60%) gave free-text recommendations. Overall, 75% were female, the mean age was 48 years, and 93% had high health literacy. Knowledge scores were high, with a median score of 8 out of 9. Mean levels of worry about the COVID-19 pandemic were higher in women than men (55/100 versus 44/100, P<.001), and in respondents with lower health literacy (57/100 versus 52/100, P=.03). Self-reported adherence to recommendations was high (85%) and increased with age and worry (both P<.001). Respondents rated their own adherence higher than others (85% versus 61%, P<.001). Moreover, 34% of respondents reported having self-quarantined; this rose to 52% for those aged ≥75 years. Those who had self-quarantined reported higher levels of fear. Nearly half (49%) of respondents felt the government response had been adequate, though younger age and higher levels of worry were associated with considering the response to be insufficient (both P<.001). Analysis of open-text answers revealed 4 major themes: access to and use of masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer; government messaging; lockdown and lockdown exit plan communication; and testing for COVID-19. Conclusions Knowledge, adherence, and satisfaction regarding government recommendations and response were high in this sample, but many desired greater access to personal protective equipment. Those with lower health literacy and those who have been in self-isolation reported greater concerns about the pandemic.

scholarly journals Identification of low health and cancer literacy in oncology patients: a cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia Hyatt ◽  
Allison Drosdowsky ◽  
Trista Koproski ◽  
Donna Milne ◽  
Meri Rametta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Process Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer Hospital ◽  
Low Health Literacy ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
Significant Public Health

Abstract Objective Health literacy is a significant public health concern, particularly given the increased complexity of chronic disease health management and health system navigation, and documented associations between low health literacy and poor health outcomes. This study therefore aimed to identify the proportion and characteristics of outpatients visiting a specialist cancer hospital who report low health literacy and/or low cancer health literacy. Method This study used a cross-sectional survey administered verbally with patients attending a specialist cancer hospital located in Melbourne, Australia over a two-week period. Process data on conducting health literacy screening within a clinical setting was collected. Results Those identified with inadequate general health literacy were different to those identified with low cancer-specific health literacy, although overall both proportions were low. Cross-sectional screening of patients was difficult, despite utilising verbal surveying methods designed to increase capacity for participation. Conclusion Health literacy screening using the tools selected was not useful for identifying or describing patients with low health literacy in this setting, given the disparity in those categorised by each measure. Practice Implications Until the theoretical construct of health literacy is better defined, measurement of health literacy may not be clinically useful.

scholarly journals Citizen Responses to Government Restrictions in Switzerland During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Selby ◽  
Marie-Anne Durand ◽  
Alexandre Gouveia ◽  
Francesca Bosisio ◽  
Gaia Barazzetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Literacy Knowledge ◽  
Lower Health ◽  
The Government ◽  
Lower Health Literacy

BACKGROUND The success of government-recommended mitigation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic depends largely on information uptake and implementation by individual citizens. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to assess citizens’ knowledge and perceptions about COVID-19 recommendations in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. METHODS A cross-sectional electronic survey with open and closed questions was disseminated by community-based partners prior to the relaxation of government restrictions. Outcomes included citizen knowledge (9-question measure) and worry about the virus, perception of government measures, and recommendations for improvements. Comparisons used linear regression, controlling for age, sex, education, and health literacy. Free-text answers were analyzed thematically. RESULTS Of 807 people who accessed the survey, 684 (85%) completed all questions and 479 (60%) gave free-text recommendations. Overall, 75% were female, the mean age was 48 years, and 93% had high health literacy. Knowledge scores were high, with a median score of 8 out of 9. Mean levels of worry about the COVID-19 pandemic were higher in women than men (55/100 versus 44/100, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and in respondents with lower health literacy (57/100 versus 52/100, <i>P</i>=.03). Self-reported adherence to recommendations was high (85%) and increased with age and worry (both <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Respondents rated their own adherence higher than others (85% versus 61%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Moreover, 34% of respondents reported having self-quarantined; this rose to 52% for those aged ≥75 years. Those who had self-quarantined reported higher levels of fear. Nearly half (49%) of respondents felt the government response had been adequate, though younger age and higher levels of worry were associated with considering the response to be insufficient (both <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Analysis of open-text answers revealed 4 major themes: access to and use of masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer; government messaging; lockdown and lockdown exit plan communication; and testing for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge, adherence, and satisfaction regarding government recommendations and response were high in this sample, but many desired greater access to personal protective equipment. Those with lower health literacy and those who have been in self-isolation reported greater concerns about the pandemic.

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