scholarly journals A Rapid Assessment of Health Literacy and Health Status of Rohingya Refugees Living in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh Following the August 2017 Exodus from Myanmar: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Ridwanur Rahman ◽  
Mohammad Abul Faiz ◽  
Ma Yin Nu ◽  
Md Rafiqul Hassan ◽  
Ashish Kumar Chakrabarty ◽  
...  

Background: A survey was conducted among Rohingya refugees to assess their overall health literacy and health status. Methods: A questionnaire was developed to conduct face to face interviews among Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh in November–December 2017. Families were selected using convenience sampling from four large refugee camps. Results: Primary respondents aged 10–90 (median 32) years, 56% male, representing 1634 families were interviewed and provided data of themselves and 6268 additional family members, 4163 (66.4%) of whom were children aged <18 years. Of all, only 736 (45%) primary respondents knew how to appropriately treat diarrhoea, 882 (54%) relied on unqualified village “doctors” for treatment, 547 (33.5%) reported a family member suffering injuries in the previous six months, with 8% (42/547) of injuries fatal. One hundred and ninety two (11.8%) primary respondents also reported deaths within their family in the preceding 12 months, with the majority (70% [134/192]) occurring in males, and 44% (85/192) of all deaths were claimed to be homicidal. Conclusion: This survey highlights overall poor health literacy, limited access to qualified health care, and a high rate of injuries and assaults among Rohingyas. However, these data come from an anecdotal survey that excluded some sensitive but important questions.

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-250
Author(s):  
Parikshit Debnath ◽  
Khurshid Natasha ◽  
Liaquat Ali ◽  
Tapas Bhaduri ◽  
Tushar Kanti Roy ◽  
...  

Older Indian diabetics lack proper health literacy making them vulnerable to complications. Assessment of health literacy was done by hospital-based cross-sectional study. Face-to-face interview was conducted by pretested structured questionnaires. Diabetes patients aged ≥60 years consisted of 56.22% males and 43.78% females; in addition, 34.2% respondents were without formal schooling. Diabetes was known to 63.56% respondents. Total knowledge and practice score of the respondents was good (18.9% and 35.1%), average (30.7% and 46.9%), and poor (50.4% and 18%), respectively. Knowledge and practice score was strongly associated ( P < .01) with religion, educational status, and diabetes duration with positive relationship ( R2 = 0.247, P < .01) between knowledge and practice score. The study highlights lack of health literacy among older diabetics undergoing ayurveda management. Baseline statistics will pave the way toward ayurpharmacoepidemiology.


Author(s):  
Azlan Jaafar ◽  
Normaliza Ab Malik ◽  
Aws Hashim Ali Al-Kadhim

Oral health literacy is the ability of an individual in making an appropriate decision to achieve optimum oral health. This study aimed to assess the oral health literacy and oral health status of undergraduate university students. This is a cross sectional study conducted among students from various faculties in USIM. A written consent was obtained before the administration of OHLI-M questionnaire via Google form. Oral examination was conducted after completing the questionnaire. A descriptive data analysis was performed to determine the adequacy of oral health literacy and oral health status among the students. A total of 280 students participated in this study. The mean age was 22 years old (SD=1.17) with the majority of them being female (82.1%) and coming from urban residences (57.1%). The prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease was 58.9% (95% CI= 53.2 to 64.6) and 13.2% (95% CI= 9.6 to 17.1) respectively. Students with adequate oral health literacy had better oral health status. Those with inadequate oral health literacy had a high percentage of dental caries.


Author(s):  
Anna Aaby ◽  
Alison Beauchamp ◽  
Jonathan O’Hara ◽  
Helle T Maindal

Abstract Background Health literacy is an important, modifiable, social determinant of health. This study aims to explore health literacy challenges of people with long-term illness or multimorbidity and provide detailed profiles revealing health literacy strengths and weaknesses within a Danish population. Methods In this cross-sectional study among Danish individuals (n = 490), health literacy was assessed using the nine-scale Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Using multiple logistic regression and hierarchical cluster analysis, we estimated the association between HLQ scale scores and the likelihood of long-term illness and multimorbidity, and identified socio-demographic and health characteristics related to profiles of health literacy strengths and weaknesses. Results An increase in ‘actively managing my health’ and ‘social support for health’ decreased the odds of having a long-term illness [odds ratio, OR 0.53 (0.31–0.9); OR 0.43 (0.24–0.74)] and multimorbidity [OR 0.51 (0.26–0.98); OR 0.33 (0.17–0.62)], respectively. Conversely, an increase in ‘healthcare provider support’ increased the odds of having long-term illness [OR 2.97 (1.78–5.08)] and multimorbidity [OR 2.94 (1.53–5.87)], respectively. Five profiles were identified based on the cluster analysis. Each cluster was characterized by specific health characteristics, e.g. Cluster A by better health status (χ2 = 39.976 (4), P < 0.001) and well-being (χ2 = 28.832 (4), P < 0.001) and Cluster D by poor health status (χ2 = 39.976 (4), P < 0.001) and increased likelihood of long-term illness (χ2 = 18.641 (4), P < 0.001). Conclusions The association of health literacy with long-term illness and multimorbidity in combination with the health literacy profiling based on cluster analysis provides a comprehensive needs assessment and a promising starting point for the development of health literacy responsive interventions.


Author(s):  
Nergiz Sevinc ◽  
Burcu Korkut

Background Health literacy (HL) is the ability to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information, making it crucial for navigating coronavirus and COVID-19 information environments. The objective of this study was to determine the health literacy of international students who could not return to their countries after announcement of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and their perspective and behavior about COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 399 international students. A 73-item questionnaire consisting of health literacy (23 items), knowledge, attitude and practice about Covid-19 (37 items), and sociodemographic characteristics (13 items) was answered by the students. The relationship between the HL score and various variables was determined using univariate and multiple binary logistic regression. Results Of the 399 international students, 322 (80.7%) participated. The HL of the international students was found to be poor (78.0%) and good (22.0%). Participants’ COVID-19-related behaviors: 8.4% of the participants’ knowledge level was good, and 38.5% had high COVID-19 related practice. Multivariate models showed that HL was independently and significantly associated with COVID-19 related practice (OR= 6.27; 95% CI: 2.45 - 15.79; p=0.000). ConclusionThis study revealed that international students’ HL was poor and that low COVID-19 related practice increased the risk of low HL in international students. According to the findings, further efforts should be made to enhance levels of HL and COVID-19-related behavior of international students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho Van Hoa ◽  
Hoang Thi Giang ◽  
Pham Tuan Vu ◽  
Duong Van Tuyen ◽  
Pham Minh Khue

Background. There is a lack of information regarding health literacy (HL) in elderly people in Vietnam. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health literacy and the associated factors in elderly people in Vietnam. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 300 elderly people aged 55 years and above. Data were obtained from study participants using face-to-face interviews using designed questionnaires on sociodemographics, behaviors, and health literacy. Multiple linear regression models were performed to identify potential determinants of health literacy. Results. HL scores were 29.70±8.20 for the general HL dimension, 32.00±9.60 for the healthcare dimension, 21.97±10.06 for the disease prevention dimension, and 35.15±9.43 for the health promotion dimension. In the final model, age was negatively associated with HL (B−coefficient=−0.09, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (-0.17 to -0.008), P=0.030). Occupation (B=4.77, 95% CI (3.18 to 6.36), P<0.001), taking care of children (B=1.68, 95% CI (0.21 to 3.15), P=0.025), social activity (B=4.61, 95% CI (2.86 to 6.37), P<0.001), doing exercises (B=2.52, 95% CI (1.07 to 3.96), P=0.001), television watching (B=2.10, 95% CI (0.75 to 3.45), P=0.002), using the Internet (B=2.93, 95% CI (1.29 to 4.57), P=0.001), and social connection (B=3.50, 95% CI (1.23 to 5.78), P=0.003) were positively associated with HL, respectively. Conclusion. Age, occupation, and a number of behaviors were significantly associated with HL in elder people. Health education campaigns should take into account the above factors as facilitating access to the Internet and providing opportunities for social networks for the elderly.


F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theerachai Pobhirun ◽  
Somdej Pinitsoontorn

Background: Pesticide toxicity is an important health problem in Thailand due to the intensive use of hazardous pesticides.  This study aimed to determine and discuss patterns of pesticide use, health literacy, pesticide use behaviors and whether there is an association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors among sweet corn farmers in the Pak Chong district of Thailand. Methods: This work was carried out between May 2017 and July 2017 and 161 participants were enrolled. Participant questionnaires were completed during face-to-face interviews. Results: 161 sweet corn farmers (89.98%) were interviewed about patterns of chemical pesticide use. Two of the pesticides used in the pre-planting phase were moderately toxic: paraquat (used by 55.2% of farmers) and imidacloprid (used by 15.5% of farmers). In the pre-emergence phase, participants reported using two moderately toxic pesticides: alachlor (used by 48.8% of farmers) and chlorpyrifos (used by 2.4% of farmers). At the post-emergence phase, participants reported using six moderately toxic pesticides: chlorpyrifos (used by 60.7% of farmers), paraquat (used by 38.1% of farmers), imidacloprid (used by 7.2% of farmers), 2-4D (used by 3.6% of farmers), abamectin (used by 3.6% of farmers) and cypermethrin (used by 1.2% of farmers). Health literacy levels were moderate level (Mean score = 91.62, SD = ± 7.06) and pesticide use behaviors were low level (Mean score = 67.80, SD = ± 4.04). When examining the association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors, we found that functional literacy was significantly associated with pesticide use behaviors. These findings suggest that health literacy, which includes self-management and decision-making skills, should be given greater attention as pesticide use behaviors were unsafe. Conclusion: It may be necessary to develop approaches to reduce pesticide use and promote health literacy, thereby protecting farmers, consumers, the environment (soil, water, and air) and ecosystems from pesticide-related hazards.


F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theerachai Pobhirun ◽  
Somdej Pinitsoontorn

Background: Pesticide toxicity is an important health problem in Thailand due to the intensive use of hazardous pesticides.  This study aimed to determine and discuss patterns of pesticide use, health literacy, pesticide use behaviors and whether there is an association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors among sweet corn farmers in the Pak Chong district, Thailand. Methods: This work was carried out between May 2017-July 2017 and 161 participants were enrolled. Participant questionnaires were completed during face-to-face interviews. Results:  This study found the response rate was 98.98%. 161 farmers were interviewed about patterns of chemical pesticide use. Two of the pesticides used in the pre-planting phase were moderately toxic: paraquat (used by 55.2% of farmers) and imidacloprid (used by 15.5% of farmers). In the pre-emergence phase, participants reported using two moderately toxic pesticides: alachlor (used by 48.8% of farmers) and chlorpyrifos (used by 2.4% of farmers). At the post-emergence phase, participants reported using six moderately toxic pesticides: chlorpyrifos (used by 60.7% of farmers), paraquat (used by 38.1% of farmers), imidacloprid (used by 7.2% of farmers), 2-4D (used by 3.6% of farmers), abamectin (used by 3.6% of farmers) and cypermethrin (used by 1.2% of farmers). Health literacy levels were moderate level (Mean score = 91.62, SD = ± 7.06) and pesticide use behaviors were low level (Mean score = 67.80, SD = ± 4.04). When examining the association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors, we found that functional literacy was significantly associated with pesticide use behaviors. This suggests that health literacy, which includes self-management and decision-making skills, should be given greater attention as pesticide use behaviors were unsafe. Conclusion: It may be necessary to develop approaches to reduce pesticide use and promote health literacy, thereby protecting farmers, consumers, the environment (soil, water, and air) and ecosystems from pesticide-related hazards.


Author(s):  
Shubhanshu Gupta ◽  
Sanjeev Kumar ◽  
Piyush D Swami ◽  
Anjana Niranjan

Background: According to World Health Organization, adolescents constitute about one fifth of the world population, and in India they constitute about 21% of the total population. Most of the surveys show that health status of adolescent girls is at sub-optimal level. Objectives: To assess nutritional status and morbidity pattern among the adolescent girls and to suggest measures for improvement of health status of adolescent girls.  Method: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 adolescent schoolgirls in Rural and urban field practice area of Jhansi school from January 2017 to July 2014. Results: Among the various morbidities eye problem was seen in maximum no of adolescent girls. Eye problem was present in 44.8% of adolescent girls followed by respiratory 14.7% and ear 13.06% disease. Skin disease was present in 3.2% of adolescent girls, which was more in rural girls 6.7% than in urban girls 1.7%, may be due to better hygienic practice in urban schoolgirls. Conclusions: Rural background, low socioeconomic status, illiteracy, birth rate and order, income and number of members in a family have shown to be significant determinants of morbidity pattern in the adolescent girls. Keywords: Adolescent, anemia, morbidity, vaginal discharge.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Beniwal ◽  
Chandrakala Singh

Aging is a series of processes that begin with life and continue throughout the lifecycle. It represents the closing period in the lifespan, a time when the individual looks back on life, lives on past accomplishments and begins to finish off his life course. It represents the accumulation of changes in person over time. The study aims to investigate the health status of senior citizens. The present study was carried out in Hisar and Sirsa district of Haryana state. A total of 400 elderly equally representing both males and females of age group 65-70 years were selected randomly for the study. Modified inventory developed by Khan and Lal (2011) was used to assess health status of senior citizens. The results of the study elucidated that health status of senior citizens depicted that 54.25 per cent of the total respondents had average health status followed by good (25.25%) and poor health status (20.50%). The most common health problems reported by the senior citizens were joint pains, back pains, blood pressure, and chest pain etc. Gender wise comparison of total sample further pointed out that females were poor in their health against males.


2017 ◽  
pp. 22-24
Author(s):  
Thi Thao Nhi Tran ◽  
Dinh Toan Nguyen

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the second cause of mortality and the leading cause of disability. Using the clinical scale to predict the outcome of the patient play an important role in clinical practice. The Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) score has shown broad utility, allowing prediction of clinical outcome and death. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducting on 102 patients with acute ischemic stroke using THRIVE score. The outcome of patient was assessed by mRankin in the day of 30 after stroke. Statistic analysis using SPSS 15.0. Results: There was 60.4% patient in the group with THRIVE score 0 – 2 points having a good outcome (mRS 0 - 2), patient group with THRIVE score 6 - 9 having a high rate of bad outcome and mortality. Having a positive correlation between THRIVE score on admission and mRankin score at the day 30 after stroke with r = 0.712. THRIVE score strongly predicts clinical outcome with ROC-AUC was 0.814 (95% CI 0.735 - 0.893, p<0.001), Se 69%, Sp 84% and the cut-off was 2. THRIVE score strongly predicts mortality with ROC-AUC was 0.856 (95% CI 0.756 - 0.956, p<0.01), Se 86%, Sp 77% and the cut-off was 3. Analysis of prognostic factors by multivariate regression models showed that THRIVE score was only independent prognostic factor for the outcome of post stroke patients. Conclusions: The THRIVE score is a simple-to-use tool to predict clinical outcome, mortality in patients with ischemic stroke. Despite its simplicity, the THRIVE score performs better than several other outcome prediction tools. Key words: Ischemic stroke, THRIVE, prognosis, outcome, mortality


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