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

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.

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

Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ◽

10.25159/2520-5293/3205 ◽

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.

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

JMIR Formative Research ◽

10.2196/20871 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (12) ◽

pp. e20871 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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

10.2196/preprints.20871 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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Nursing Students' Perceptions, Knowledge, and Preventive Behaviors Toward COVID-19: A Multi-University Study

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2020.573390 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Hamdan Mohammad Albaqawi ◽

Nahed Alquwez ◽

Ejercito Balay-odao ◽

Junel Bryan Bajet ◽

Hawa Alabdulaziz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nursing Education ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Student Nurses ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Average Score ◽

Preventive Behavior ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

The Government

Background: Knowledge, perception, and preventive behavior should be considered in the planning of effective educational interventions for the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and in increasing awareness about the health risks brought about by this disease. This research aimed to assess knowledge, perceptions, and preventive behavior toward the COVID-19 infection among student nurses.Methods: The study has quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 1,226 student nurses from seven universities in Saudi Arabia was surveyed from March 22 to April 4, 2020. A four-part online survey on demographic characteristics, perceptions, knowledge, and preventive behavior of Saudi student nurses was carried out.Results: Nearly all students were aware of the outbreak (99.2%), and most of them received information on COVID-19 primarily from social media (71.0%). Over three-fourths of the students were confident that the government (89.1%) and Ministry of Health (MOH) (86.5%) were doing a good job responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. The overall average score in the knowledge questionnaire was 9.85 (SD = 1.62, range = 0–12), which is equivalent to 82.1%. The majority of the students always performed most of the preventive behavior identified in the survey, except “washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 s after blowing my nose, coughing, or sneezing” (39.2%) and “daily cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces” (41.6%). Being female, being in the fourth year, and gaining good perceived knowledge were associated with high actual COVID-19 knowledge. University, gender, age, academic level, and perceived COVID-19 knowledge were the associated factors.Conclusions: The findings of this study have provided baseline information on the current state of Saudi nursing students' perceptions, knowledge, and preventive behavior toward COVID-19 as the crisis is happening. The findings revealed some areas that should be focused on by nursing education, as well as health agencies, to ensure that the students have adequate knowledge and correct preventive behavior.

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Exploring Knowledge and Experience of Health Literacy for Chinese-Speaking Nurses in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17207609 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (20) ◽

pp. 7609

Author(s):

Ya-Wen Chang ◽

Tsai-Chung Li ◽

Yen-Chin Chen ◽

Jo-Hua Lee ◽

Mei-Chuan Chang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nursing Education ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Patient Education ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Education Programs ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Literacy Knowledge ◽

Job Category ◽

Nurses Knowledge

Background: Health literacy has become the best predictor of healthcare status. However, two-thirds of health providers are unaware of patients’ health literacy. Thus, the aim of the study is to investigate factors related to Chinese-speaking nurses’ knowledge and experience of health literacy. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a web-based survey. A total of 430 nurses were recruited by stratified sampling from different levels of hospitals and community health centers in Taiwan. Primary outcome measure by Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience. Results: The participants’ overall health literacy knowledge was limited; the correct responses were 51%. The education level of the participants, job category, working years, and having attended in-service patient education programs were the predictors of knowledge of health literacy (p < 0.05); Institute, job category, and having attended in-service patient education programs were the predictors of experience of health literacy (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Participants’ education levels and In-service patient education programs are beneficial factors to improve nurses’ knowledge of health literacy. Furthermore, nursing education should emphasize on how to identify individuals’ health literacy and using readable healthcare materials to improve health education.

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Perceived Oral Health Literacy, Behaviors, and Oral Health Care among Caregivers to the Homebound Population

Home Health Care Management & Practice ◽

10.1177/10848223211008435 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 108482232110084

Author(s):

Agata Wilk ◽

Lisa LaSpina ◽

Linda D. Boyd ◽

Jared Vineyard

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Oral Health ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Oral Care ◽

Oral Health Care ◽

The Body ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Oral Health Literacy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

This study aimed to explore the level of perceived oral health literacy (OHL) among caregivers of the homebound population in the Chicago metropolitan area and how caregivers’ OHL impacts their oral care to the homebound population. The relationships between demographic characteristics, perceived OHL levels, personal oral health behaviors, and oral health care to clients were also assessed. This cross-sectional survey research examined 69 caregivers of the homebound population employed by home health agencies. The OHL was determined by the validated Health Literacy in Dentistry Scale (HeLD-14). Independent t-tests, chi-square tests set at p < .05 significance level, and logistic regressions were used for analysis. The mean age of participants was 43. The HeLD-14 scores indicated a high perceived OHL among this group. Caregivers came from diverse groups, and the majority spoke a second language at home. About 93% performed oral self-care the recommended amount of time or more, while only 57% did it for their clients. Those who cleaned clients’ mouth twice a day had a higher OHL score ( M = 23 compared to M = 19). About 43% did not check for sores in the client’s mouth, and those who checked had a higher OHL score ( M = 25 compared to M = 19). Controlling for OHL, age was a good predictor of oral care frequency to clients. These findings provide current evidence and add to the body of knowledge on OHL among homebound individuals. The results provide insights for designing a preventive approach in oral health care to the homebound population.

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The relationship between socioeconomic position and health literacy among urban and rural adults in regional China

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10600-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wei Chen ◽

Hongfu Ren ◽

Na Wang ◽

Yaqing Xiong ◽

Fei Xu

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Educational Attainment ◽

Socioeconomic Position ◽

Population Based ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Average Income ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Rural Adults

Abstract Background To examine associations of socioeconomic position (SEP), separately indicated by education, monthly family average income (FAI) and occupation, with health literacy (HL) among adults in regional China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among urban and rural adults (aged 25–69 years) who were randomly selected, using the probability proportionate to size sampling approach, from Nanjing municipality of China during October and December of 2016. HL, the outcome variable, was assessed using the Chinese Resident Health Literacy Scale. SEP, our independent variable, was separately measured with educational attainment, monthly family average income and occupation. Logistic regression models were introduced to examine SEP-HL association with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Totally, 8698 participants completed the survey. The proportion of participants with unweighted and weighted adequate HL was 18.0% (95%CI = 17.2, 18.8%) and 19.9% (95%CI = 16.6, 23.6%), respectively, in this study. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, each SEP indicator was in significantly positive relation to both unweighted and weight HL level. Participants who obtained 13+ and 10–12 years educational attainment, respectively, had 2.41 (95%CI = 1.60, 3.64) and 1.68 (95%CI = 1.23, 2.29) times odds to record weighted adequate HL compared to their counterparts who were with 0–9 years education. Subjects within upper (OR = 1.92, 95%CI = 1.24, 2.98) and middle FAI tertile (OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.19, 2.13), respectively, were more likely to report weighted adequate HL relative to those who were within lower FAI tertile. White collars were more likely to have weighted adequate HL (OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.09, 1.61) than blue collars. Conclusions Each of education, FAI and occupation was positively associated with health literacy among urban and rural adults in China. The findings have important implications that different SEP indicators can be used to identify vulnerable residents in population-based health literacy promotion campaigns.

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COVID-19 and health information seeking behavior: Digital health literacy survey amongst university students in Pakistan (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28058 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rubeena Zakar ◽

Sarosh Iqbal ◽

Muhammad Zakria Zakar ◽

Florian Fischer

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

University Students ◽

Information Seeking ◽

Digital Health ◽

Relevant Information ◽

Health Concern ◽

Information Seeking Behavior ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Seeking Behavior

BACKGROUND Amid to the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health literacy (DHL) has become a significant public health concern. OBJECTIVE This research aims to assess information seeking behavior, as well as the ability to find relevant information and deal with DHL among university students in Pakistan. METHODS An online-based cross-sectional survey, using a web-based interviewing technique, was conducted to collect data on DHL. Simple bivariate and multivariate linear regression was performed to assess the association of key characteristics with DHL. RESULTS The results show a high DHL related to COVID-19 in 54.3% of students. Most of the Pakistani students demonstrated ~50% DHL in all dimensions, except of reliability. Multivariate findings showed that gender, sense of coherence and importance of information were found to be significantly associated with DHL. However, a negative association was observed with students’ satisfaction with information. CONCLUSIONS This led to the conclusion that critical operational and navigations skills are essential to achieve COVID-19 DHL and cope with stress, particularly to promote both personal and community health. Focused interventions and strategies should be designed to enhance DHL amongst university students to combat the pandemic.

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Health Care for Mitochondrial Disorders in Canada: A Survey of Physicians

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2019.240 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (6) ◽

pp. 717-726 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Karen Paik ◽

Matthew A. Lines ◽

Pranesh Chakraborty ◽

Sara D. Khangura ◽

Maureen Latocki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Research Priorities ◽

Mitochondrial Diseases ◽

Mitochondrial Disorders ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Treatment Practices ◽

Important Variation ◽

Physician Care

ABSTRACT:Background:An improved understanding of diagnostic and treatment practices for patients with rare primary mitochondrial disorders can support benchmarking against guidelines and establish priorities for evaluative research. We aimed to describe physician care for patients with mitochondrial diseases in Canada, including variation in care.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Canadian physicians involved in the diagnosis and/or ongoing care of patients with mitochondrial diseases. We used snowball sampling to identify potentially eligible participants, who were contacted by mail up to five times and invited to complete a questionnaire by mail or internet. The questionnaire addressed: personal experience in providing care for mitochondrial disorders; diagnostic and treatment practices; challenges in accessing tests or treatments; and views regarding research priorities.Results:We received 58 survey responses (52% response rate). Most respondents (83%) reported spending 20% or less of their clinical practice time caring for patients with mitochondrial disorders. We identified important variation in diagnostic care, although assessments frequently reported as diagnostically helpful (e.g., brain magnetic resonance imaging, MRI/MR spectroscopy) were also recommended in published guidelines. Approximately half (49%) of participants would recommend “mitochondrial cocktails” for all or most patients, but we identified variation in responses regarding specific vitamins and cofactors. A majority of physicians recommended studies on the development of effective therapies as the top research priority.Conclusions:While Canadian physicians’ views about diagnostic care and disease management are aligned with published recommendations, important variations in care reflect persistent areas of uncertainty and a need for empirical evidence to support and update standard protocols.

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